Combined Authority Board approves new strategy to boost nature across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough  

Combined Authority Board approves new strategy to boost nature across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough  

The Combined Authority Board has approved the final Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), setting out a clear and ambitious strategy to protect and restore the region’s natural environment, wildlife habitats and green spaces.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough currently has one of the lowest proportions of land designated for nature in England. The LNRS aims to change that by identifying priority areas for recovery, proposing targeted actions, and encouraging landowners and communities to play an active role in restoring and protecting the natural landscape. 

Developed under the Environment Act 2021, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough LNRS is one of 48 strategies being created across England, helping to meet national environmental targets while supporting local priorities.  

The strategy outlines key biodiversity priorities for the region, including: 

• Expanding and connecting wildlife habitats 

• Improving health of rivers, wetlands and soils 

• Enhancing access to nature for local communities. 

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy is central to the Combined Authority’s mission to create resilient communities.  

The Combined Authority commissioned Cambridgeshire County Council to manage the programme. A steering group was formed to guide the work, with Natural Cambridgeshire, the area’s Local Nature Partnership. The group brought together a range of contributors, including technical experts, specialist consultants, and species groups, all working to ensure the strategy was built on solid evidence and shaped by local knowledge. 

Between July and September, a wide‑ranging public consultation captured the voices of individuals, businesses, developers and organisations across the region. The feedback was overwhelmingly constructive, demonstrating strong support for the strategy implementation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. These contributions have helped shape the narrative of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, ensuring it reflects the priorities and aspirations of the communities. 

The Combined Authority Board is committed to implementing the LNRS and has agreed that a delivery plan will be prepared within six months of the strategy publication. 

Paul Bristow commented:  

“This strategy is a big step forward for our region. It’s about giving nature the space to recover and making sure future generations can enjoy the green spaces and wildlife we all value. It also shows how environmental recovery and economic growth go hand in hand – protecting the natural assets that keep our region thriving.”