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Local nature recovery strategies (LNRS) are ground-breaking new mechanisms to plan for nature recovery at a local level; they agree priorities for nature recovery and propose actions in the locations where it would be most beneficial.

Established by the Environment Act 2021, each local nature recovery strategy will:

agree priorities for nature’s recovery
map the most valuable existing areas for nature
map specific proposals for creating or improving habitat for nature and wider environmental goals

There are 48 local nature recovery strategies covering the whole of England with no gaps or overlaps. Together they will underpin the Nature Recovery Network, which is a commitment in the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan.

In June 2023, the Defra Secretary of State appointed Westmorland and Furness Council as the “responsible authority” to lead the preparation of the Cumbria LNRS. In Cumbria we have four appointed supporting authorities:

Cumberland Council
Natural England
Lake District National Park Authority
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

The Defra Secretary of State has also produced regulations on the process for preparing, publishing, reviewing and republication of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy and statutory guidance on what each Strategy should contain.

The purpose of the LNRS is to restore and connect habitats so that locally important species can thrive; the LNRS agrees the best places to plant trees, restore peatland, improve grassland condition, mitigate flood and fire risk, and create green spaces for local people to enjoy. With an agreed LNRS in place, nature recovery work initiated by everyone in Cumbria - from designated partnerships and large organisations, to farmers, local businesses and community groups - can help to deliver a bigger, better and more joined up nature recovery network across the whole of the county.

Regular updates and further information will be posted here on our website. To sign up for updates or for more information on how to get involved with the Cumbria LNRS please contact the Cumbria LNRS project manager:

Email: Cumbria.LNRS@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.

- David Attenborough