Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham

Creating a greener Nottinghamshire for everyone

The public consultation on the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is now open. Find out more about the LNRS, take a look at the statement of biodiversity priorities, view the local habitat map and take the online survey.  We are responsible for producing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Nottinghamshire (including the city). Working closely with local district and borough councils, Nottingham City Council, East Midlands Combined County Authority and key stakeholders, we aim to define how and where we can best protect and enhance nature locally. The LNRS will be our map for nature's recovery in Nottinghamshire and will contribute to the National Recovery Network.

Public consultation on the draft strategy – get involved

We want the strategy to be representative of Nottinghamshire habitats and species to ensure the best chances for nature and wildlife to improve and thrive.

In Autumn 2024 we invited people to respond to an initial online survey to give us their views, and to tell us about locations in Notts where there could be opportunities for nature recovery or where there are current projects.

Thank you to all who took part in our initial survey and shared their thoughts about nature in Nottinghamshire and Nottingham. Your responses to the initial survey and comments on the map have been used to help inform the development of our draft strategy document.

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy has been put together by consulting experts and non-experts alike.  Before publishing this important document, we want to check that it’s as good as it can be, so we want as many people as possible to read the draft LNRS and have an opportunity to provide feedback.

The draft strategy is now public and you can share your comments during our six-week public consultation period from 6 May to 16 June 2025.

To find out more about the draft LNRS please go to our consultation website [opens in a new tab] where you will be able to:

• view the draft Statement of Biodiversity Priorities and associated documents

• find out more about the online Local Habitat Map

• complete the online survey

• find out about in-person and online consultation events you can attend

• learn about nature recovery projects already taking place across the city and county

There's also a short summary document, which provides a quick overview of the key points of the LNRS and how it has been developed.

If you want to be kept informed of progress, or you know of any relevant organisations or groups that we should involve, please contact the LNRS Coordinator, email: 

• LNRSNN@nottscc.gov.uk

What is a Local Nature Recovery Strategy?

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) are a new England-wide system of spatial strategies established by the Environment Act 2021. 

The main purposes of these strategies are to:

• Help reverse the ongoing decline of nature in England by establishing priorities for nature recovery.

• Identify locations to create or improve habitats that are most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.

• Inform the delivery of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and guide local planning policy for nature recovery.

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Biodiversity Priorities Statement: identifying priorities for nature's recovery.

• Local Habitat Map: mapping the most valuable existing areas for nature.

• Specific Proposals Map: highlighting habitat creation or wider environmental improvement goals.

Producing the Strategy

We are committed to recovering nature in Nottinghamshire. Our Local Nature Recovery Strategy consists of an online document and map to inform and guide nature recovery across the county.

The proposed actions will help address the global biodiversity crisis and provide benefits for residents, as local green spaces are important for physical and mental health.

There are three key elements in developing the strategy:

• Research: Identifying local priorities, opportunities and challenges for nature recovery.

• Mapping: Creating The Local Habitat Map.

• Engagement: Discussing nature recovery with key stakeholders and the wider public.

We work with local stakeholders, including:

• Ashfield District Council

• Bassetlaw District Council

• Broxtowe Borough Council

• Gedling Borough Council

• Mansfield District Council

• Newark & Sherwood District Council

• Nottingham City Council

• Rushcliffe Borough Council

• East Midlands Combined County Authority

• Natural England

• Environment Agency

• Forestry Commission

• National Farmers Union

• Country Land & Business Association

• Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

• Notts Biodiversity Action Group

• RSPB

• Canal and River Trust

• Trent Rivers Trust

• National Trust

• Woodland Trust

• Nottingham Trent University

• University of Nottingham

• East Midlands Chamber

Timescales

Public consultation on the draft strategy takes place in May and June 2025.  All comments will then be recorded and analysed and we will make changes to the draft LNRS as necessary.

The final version of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Nottinghamshire and Nottingham will be published in Autumn 2025.

Everyone has a part in nature recovery

We all have a responsibility to protect the natural environment, both locally and globally. We can all help nature to recover in our gardens, workplaces and the green spaces near where we live. The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will provide a framework for action that can be taken by councils, farmers, environmental organisations, businesses and community groups.

This project is funded through the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Defra.