Understanding Local Nature Recovery Strategies

Rohini Vekaria considers the role of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).

What are LNRS and how are they delivered?

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) were introduced under the Environment Act 2021. They are another mechanism introduced to help achieve national environmental targets by creating spatial plans which highlight areas needing environmental improvement, protection, and prioritisation. These strategies will play a crucial role in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and ensuring the government meets its national environmental targets.

Interestingly, the LNRS regulations do not mandate any specific actions from landowners. Instead, it is envisaged that LNRS will be delivered through collaborative efforts from a range of entities, supported by funding and investments.

Under Section 102 of the Environment Act 2021, public authorities are obligated to conserve and enhance biodiversity, and in turn, have regard to the relevant local nature strategies, particularly when making planning policies.

Who prepares LNRS and what do they contain?

LNRS are prepared by responsible bodies appointed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). DEFRA has designated 48 responsible bodies across England (ensuring there are no gaps or overlaps across the areas in England).

An LNRS must include a local habitat map that identifies areas targeted for nature recovery, conservation sites, local nature reserves, and regions of biodiversity importance. Additionally, it must contain a written statement detailing, biodiversity priorities, the current state of nature, and practical actions for enhancing biodiversity.

Before an LNRS is published, public consultation is required. Once released, these strategies must be reviewed, updated, and republished every 3 to 10 years, detailing any actions taken.

LNRS enables responsible authorities to work collaboratively ensuring regional targets are met by looking at the existing state of the nature/environment and collectively providing an action plan to protect or enhance the area.  

LNRS in practice

Recently, the West of England Combined Authority published the first LNRS. The LNRS covers Bath, North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset.

LNRS can assist developers with:

• Creating BNG plans by providing a clear outline of necessary actions to enhance biodiversity, within a relevant area.
• Assist with environmental plans (identifying priority species etc.)
• Identifying potential sites which could be used either for habitat banking or off-site BNG.
• Identifying constraints on a site.

However, a strategy could potentially hinder development if a site is identified as needing protection due to its biodiversity significance.

Future of LNRS

The 30 June 2023 policy paper on LNRS  aimed to have all local nature recovery strategies in place across England by March 2025. However, with 47 LNRS still pending publication, achieving this target remains a challenge. LNRS’s will play a pivotal role in assisting with the delivery of BNG objectives over the coming years. Though, given the limited information available on the weight to be given to LNRS, further detailed guidance on the use and implementation of LNRS is desirable to ensure LNRS are delivered and adhered to effectively across the whole of England.

Rohini Vekaria is an Associate at Dentons. This article first appeared on the set’s Planning Law Blog.