April 2024

Priorities for local nature recovery to be set out in new strategy – and local community asked to have their say

A new initiative is designed to set priorities for nature recovery across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as part of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy – and a survey is now open to capture local community views.

The call for local community support is part of the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) – a national Government initiative designed to set priorities for nature recovery across England. Natural Cambridgeshire has been asked by the County Council to support the creation of an LNRS for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as the County undertakes this commission on behalf of the СРСА.

Separate surveys are live for members of the general public, or individuals representing a local community/special interest group or organisation. The survey asks participants to share their views and insights on local knowledge and aspirations, including:

  • What you love about your local natural environment.
  • Where you love to go locally, to enjoy nature.
  • Why your natural environment is important to you.

Speaking about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Director of Natural Cambridgeshire Pamela Abbott said:
“Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is one of the most nature-depleted areas in England and it’s critical that we shape nature recovery in the county. Local communities have a key role in enabling this. Through these surveys, local people can help us understand in greater depth the important local habitats and wildlife that need to be treasured and conserved, and identify where we can increase biodiversity and create landscapes more resilient against climate change and other environmental pressures.”

The surveys are now closed for contributions – but were open until 5pm on 19 April. 

The survey findings will help feed into the wider work of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy as it sets priorities for nature recovery in the local area. The public will also be asked to engage in a wider public consultation on the strategy at a later stage.