FAQs
What is an LNRS?
Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) have been introduced by the Environment Act 2021 to provide action for nature recovery and other environmental benefits across England.
There will be 48 LNRS across England, one for each region (roughly equivalent in size to counties).
Once complete, the LNRS will include:
- A local habitat map, mapping outputs such as areas which could become of particular importance for biodiversity, and where the recovery of biodiversity could contribute towards wider environmental benefits.
- A statement of biodiversity priorities, listing the priorities for species and habitats within the region, along with specific measures that can be implemented.
What are the aims of the LNRS?
The LNRS is aiming to help reverse the trend of ecological decline and to accelerate nature recovery within England.
Through improving the region’s biodiversity and ecological habitats, the LNRS also aims to support the ecosystem services that everyone relies on, such as good soil health, water quality and availability, and resilience to climate change.
How will the LNRS be used?
The core purpose of LNRSs is to agree priorities for nature’s recovery, map the most valuable existing areas for nature, and map specific proposals for creating or improving habitat. As set out by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), there are three main uses for LNRSs based in law:
- Targeting BNG – LNRSs will determine where habitat creation or enhancement for BNG will be of ‘high strategic significance’. This means that when habitat is created or enhanced to generate biodiversity units for the purposes of BNG, it gets a 15% uplift in the biodiversity metric if it follows what is set out in the LNRS.
- A duty on public authorities to conserve and enhance the environment – This can be national and local government and private utilities such as water companies. Actions may include managing responsible areas of land in a way that supports what the LNRS proposes, or using the LNRS to inform regulatory decisions.
- Planning law – Changes to planning law, expected to come into force later in 2025, will make it a legal requirement for plan-makers to “take account” of LNRSs.
LNRSs will be used to help farmers and land managers decide which Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive options are appropriate for their land, as well as identify opportunities for Landscape Recovery project proposals and to help Government when considering applications for nature recovery funding.
In addition, it is also important to know that there are certain things the LNRS will not be used for:
- require owners or managers of land to make specific land use changes
- place new restrictions on developing land
- identify areas to be given legal nature protections
- prevent nature conservation work in areas that are not prioritised by the LNRS
What happens once the LNRS is created?
The LNRS will be available as an important resource for farmers and land managers when considering development and to support applications for funding. It will also help government to more closely align their funding initiatives with the local strategy.
Once the LNRS has been published, it will be reviewed and republished every 3-10 years. Included in this will be updated mapping to demonstrate and assess where and to what extent improvements have been made.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain was introduced through the Environment Act 2021 along with the LNRS. It is a requirement for any eligible new development to provide a minimum of 10% net gain for biodiversity.
I own land within the LNRS. What benefit will it be to me?
If your land is identified as a priority location within the LNRS, then that land will be worth 15% more in Biodiversity Net Gain units if the identified habitat is improved or created on it. The local nature recovery strategies are therefore designed to incentivise biodiversity net gain to be in the best locations for nature recovery.
Beyond this, the LNRS aims to improve the local environment for everyone, including landowners, by supporting ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, good soil and water quality, and climate change mitigation.
How does the LNRS relate to Environment Land Management schemes?
The financial incentives provided by Environment Land Management schemes (ELMS) already closely align with the goals of the LNRS, such as restoring habitat and improving biodiversity.
Funding from ELMS will be able to be directed towards projects identified within the LNRS. The purpose of the LNRS is to help clarify to farmers and land managers what steps would be of particular benefit to their land.
Is participation in the LNRS mandatory?
Although we are keen for as many stakeholders to be involved in the process as possible, you are not required to take part in the LNRS.
Landowners will be able to identify whether they want their land to appear in the final maps as part of the consultation process, scheduled for 2025. However, it is worth noting that even if your land is identified as a potential habitat opportunity this does not mean you are obliged to carry out any of the recommended measures.
How can I get involved?
We have been working with a number of stakeholders and have produced several public surveys, the results of which have been incorporated into the LNRS.
A draft strategy will be released in 2025 for public consultation over an eight-week period, where you will be able to feedback your views on the LNRS.
Will I be able to submit a project / piece of land for consideration?
As part of the public consultation taking place in 2025, you will be able to notify us that you wish your land to be considered as part of your submission.
You can also contact us using the address localnaturerecoverystrategy@cambridgeshire.gov.uk, where we will add you to our stakeholder list to be contacted once we have any further updates.
