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Local Nature Recovery Strategies

Authorities across England, including Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council, are producing Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) as required under the Environment Act (2021). These plans aim to set out the key priorities and mapped actions needed to help nature recover across the county.

LNRS must be given clear, meaningful influence in planning and decision-making if they are to make a real difference. They should provide a robust foundation for planning decisions, outlining where nature is and where it needs to be protected. Crucially, to deliver action, not just words, they need clear delivery mechanisms and meaningful targets. 

As the Isle of Wight LNRS is published for public consultation, we recognise the hard work the Council and the team behind it, have put into creating a strong strategy—one that DEFRA is already viewing as an exemplar. The consultation is a key opportunity to ensure the LNRS fully aligns with our nine principles for success, helping to secure the best possible outcomes for nature. 

With consultation open until February 14th, we have a valuable opportunity to support an ambitious strategy that builds on the Council’s hard work and helps achieve the fast-approaching legal targets to halt nature’s decline by 2030.  

To make your voice heard, respond to the public consultation using our guidance below, as well as your own concerns. 

FAQs

What is a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)?

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is an initiative introduced by the Environment Act, which required responsible local authorities to produce a strategy for nature’s recovery in their local area, forming part of a national Nature Recovery Network. These strategies must set priorities for nature recovery, and map the actions and measures needed to achieve these. They are designed to foster a joined-up approach to conservation and enhancement efforts, with alignment across community and land-use needs.  

In England, 48 LNRS will be produced. In our counties, there will be two LNRS, with one produced by Hampshire County Council and another by Isle of Wight Council. These will be key to delivering the National Nature Recovery Network. 

The LNRS will be used to:  

  • Guide investment into local priorities for protection and enhancement 

  • Shape how future funding for farming and land management will be used 

  • Map areas of opportunity for nature-based solutions 

  • Guide mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) investments 

  • Provide evidence for local planning authorities to understand locations of ecological importance 

  • Must be ‘taken into account’ in planning  

How was Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust involved in the creation of the LNRS?

In summer 2024, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust attended several meetings and workshops with Isle of Wight Council to feed into the LNRS. The Trust also provided input into the processes that Arc Biodiversity and Climate have developed to prepare the LNRS.  

We are pleased that Isle of Wight Council sought our expertise within these consultations.

How can the Isle of Wight LNRS be improved to deliver for nature?

The Isle of Wight LNRS represents a strong step forward in achieving our legal targets for nature’s recovery. The strategy effectively sets out an ambitious vision for enhancing unique ecosystems on the Isle of Wight, with key elements already on track to achieving our 2030 targets. However, this consultation presents an invaluable opportunity to refine and strengthen the plan, ensuring it fully meets our nine principles for success and delivers the best possible outcomes for nature. 

One key challenge is the need for greater clarity on future funding and support, which will be essential for successful implementation. By addressing this and other areas for improvement, we can help ensure the LNRS accelerates nature’s recovery. Below is an assessment of how well the strategy currently aligns with our key principles: 

  1. Mapping the Nature Recovery Network and planning to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. ON TRACK 

  1. Prioritising improvement of the condition of protected areas where nature is declining. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT 

  1. Incorporating climate change impacts into nature recovery strategies. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT 

  1. Using the best ecological data to guide evidence-based decisions. ON TRACK 

  1. Identifying funding mechanisms and strategic investment for nature recovery. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT 

  1. Setting targets and tracking progress with accountability. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT 

  1. Engaging the public, especially underrepresented communities. ON TRACK 

  1. Ensuring suitable partnerships to drive the delivery of the LNRS. ON TRACK 

  1. Committing local authorities to fully integrate the LNRS into planning and strategic plans. ON TRACK 

With just a few years left to meet our legal target of halting nature’s decline by 2030, we have a crucial opportunity to shape a truly transformative plan — one that not only meets government targets but goes further to secure a thriving future for nature on the Isle of Wight. 

How can I get involved?

Now is our opportunity to help refine and strengthen the Isle of Wight LNRS to ensure it delivers the best possible outcomes for nature. Using our guidance and your own insights, you can make your voice heard and help shape a thriving future for the Island’s wildlife and landscapes. 

The draft LNRS is available on the Island Nature website. You must respond to the consultation by February 14th to ensure your response is received. 

If you have already responded to the consultation and would like to take further action, raise your concerns about the LNRS with your local MP or councillor. Find out who your local MP is here or who your local councillor is here. 

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