Frequently asked questions

Nature recovery has not been specifically defined by the Environment Act or the Local Nature Recovery Strategy regulations or statutory guidance. In general however, we are talking about expanding, creating, managing or restoring habitats to support the native species that live there. This could also mean actions to reverse the decline of a species, reintroducing species that have been lost or controlling invasive non-native species. 

In the simplest terms, it is a written document and a map. The document will outline what the priorities for habitats and species are and the map shows where it could take place.  

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Cumbria is a comprehensive plan designed to drive local nature recovery efforts, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to the wider environmental objectives of the region. It outlines priorities and associated measures to improve natural habitats, species protection, and ecological connectivity across Cumbria.

The LNRS is crucial for Cumbria because it provides a targeted approach to conserving and enhancing the region's unique natural environment. It addresses specific local challenges such as habitat degradation, species decline, and climate change impacts, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources for future generations.

In June 2023 Defra appointed Westmorland and Furness Council as the Responsible Authority to oversee the production of the strategy. The Responsible Authority will work closely with Cumberland Council,  Lake District National Park Authority, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Nature England who are appointed to act as Supporting Authorities. The preparation of the LNRS in Cumbria is a collaborative effort involving the Cumbria Local Nature Partnership, environmental organisations, landowners, community groups, and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that the strategy is comprehensive and reflects the needs and priorities of the entire community.

Priority areas for nature recovery are identified through a combination of scientific research, ecological data analysis, stakeholder consultation, and local knowledge. Factors considered include biodiversity value, ecosystem service provision, connectivity potential, and areas under threat.

We have a large database of existing strategies, policies, plans, research papers and data that will underpin the strategy and our partners are helping to ensure that we have not missed anything. We are also working closely with Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre to interpret and map the information. If you have anything that you would like to be considered, please contact the team at Cumbria.LNRS@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk  

Everyone! Whether you enjoy the technical details of nature recovery or are simply passionate about wildlife, we would love to hear from you! 

We are actively seeking input from all stakeholders; we will listen to all views on what the priorities are for nature recovery and where you think the areas are that are particularly important to you. The best way to do this is by emailing Cumbria.LNRS@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk  

Local communities can get involved in various ways, including participating in public consultations, surveys, attending workshops and events, providing local knowledge and feedback, and engaging in volunteer activities related to nature recovery projects. 

Yes, businesses can play a significant role in the LNRS by both informing the strategy development and adopting sustainable practices, supporting local nature recovery projects, engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives, and collaborating with environmental organisations to enhance biodiversity.

We are actively engaging with over 600 stakeholders and through these workshops our primary goal is to gather comprehensive information on existing policies and strategies related to nature recovery informed by technical experts. This collaborative approach will not only inform the development and future consultation of our Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) but also foster collaboration among participating organisations. By exploring opportunities for aligning priorities, we can create a more cohesive and impactful approach to nature recovery in Cumbria.

However, our commitment to engagement extends beyond these workshops. Through further outreach and consultation, we will ensure that our draft priorities and proposed measures to achieve them are realistic, reflect diverse perspectives, and garner broad support from the wider Cumbrian community.

The LNRS is not a delivery plan, nor is it binding. The LNRS will not force landowners and managers to make changes and it will not dictate actions or instruct their implementation. The written document will look at priorities for nature and will be produced based on reviews of existing strategies and data; the written element will therefore aim to be inspirational rather than dictate what must be done. The map will look at opportunity networks where the creation or improvement of habitat is likely to provide the greatest benefit. This will not replace local knowledge, heritage or the need for site surveys. However, the LNRS is expected to link to ELMs, although the exact manner in which funding will be made available is still to be detailed. 

Landowners, farmers, estates and those involved in land management are key stakeholders in Cumbria’s LNRS development. Farmers often cover a wide range of habitats and areas from coastal farms to those in upland areas, often with different livestock or produce and with various pressures at distinct times of year. We are very aware that landowners and farmers are often incredibly time-poor, and have an already high number of administrative demands made of them. With this in mind, we are working with a range of trusted advisors such as the NFU, The Farmer Network, Country Landowners Association, farm clusters, landscape-scale projects and land agents; this is to gather data that establishes priorities amongst landowners, document work that is already happening, and consider areas that could become of importance to biodiversity. 

The LNRS is expected to be linked to ELMS, although the exact manner in which funding will be made available is still to be detailed. The LNRS will also have a significant bearing on how and where Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) should be delivered, and how BNG units are calculated. Other sources of funding will likely come from the creation of woodland, species protection, carbon credits, and funding for activities that offer Nature Based Solutions. 

Statutory guidance from Defra states that LNRSs should be submitted and published by March 2025. Cumbria are on track to achieving this. The LNRS will then be reviewed every 3-10 years to check that the priorities are still the same priorities for that point in time, and if any of the data behind the LNRS has changed that could influence what is being said. 

Everyone who is interested in nature and wildlife should be able to use the Cumbria LNRS in some way. Larger organisations such as public bodies, developers and environmental non-governmental organisations may use it to inform projects that support or enhance nature. Farmers, landowners and estates can use it to see where habitat creation could take place and tie into existing initiatives such as Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs). Local residents and parish councils could also use it at the community level to inspire action to support wildlife whilst also being aware that these actions will support Cumbria-wide ambitions on nature recovery. 

The LNRS may include a wide range of projects such as habitat restoration and creation, species reintroduction and protection, sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, urban greening, and the establishment of green corridors and nature networks. The LNRS will both direct and inform local delivery.

This is still in development but the success of the LNRS will be measured through a set of predefined indicators related to biodiversity improvement, habitat condition, species populations, and ecosystem services. Regular monitoring and reporting will ensure progress is tracked, and adaptive management strategies can be implemented as needed. This is an important aspect to ensure we are able to identify impacts and progress when the strategy is re published in 3-10 years.

The LNRS aligns with national environmental goals by contributing to biodiversity targets, climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, and sustainable development objectives. It serves as a local implementation mechanism that supports broader environmental policies and commitments.

While Local Nature Recovery Strategies won't solely be delivery plans, they will inform and influence them acting as guiding documents.

LNRS’s serve as spatial strategies, outlining priorities and proposing specific actions for nature recovery in a particular area. They will identify valuable existing natural areas and map potential locations for restoration and creation of new habitats.

This comprehensive information helps guide the development of detailed delivery plans that translate LNRS goals into concrete actions. 

Overall, LNRS’s play a crucial role in setting the direction for nature recovery efforts. This increases the likelihood of securing funding and implementing effective strategies for bringing nature back to life.