What is the Local Nature Recovery Strategy?
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a bold new plan to revive and protect nature across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. It’s a locally driven, government-backed initiative that maps out where and how we can restore habitats, boost biodiversity, and reconnect people with the natural world, from countryside to city parks
A Major Milestone for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
On Wednesday 5th November, the Combined Authority’s Growth Committee recommended the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Board approval, marking a pivotal step in restoring and enhancing the region’s natural environment and wildlife
🌿 Shape the Future of Nature in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 🌿
Nature is at a turning point — and you can help decide where we go from here.
For thousands of years, people have lived close to nature, enjoying wildlife through the changing seasons. We’ve listened to birdsong in spring, watched insects and wildflowers in summer, admired autumn colours, and heard owls calling in winter. Our wellbeing has always been closely connected to the natural world.
We have the knowledge to help nature recover. Let’s make it happen!
What does the strategy do?
Developed collaboratively with partners across the region, the LNRS sets out a shared vision to:
- Enhance biodiversity across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
- Expand wild spaces and green corridors
- Promote nature-friendly land use practices
- Build resilient ecosystems for future generations
This strategy is a blueprint for reversing nature loss and creating a thriving landscape where wildlife and people coexist in harmony.
🐾 Why It Matters
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough currently rank among the lowest in the UK for land dedicated to nature. This limits:
- Wildlife habitats and species diversity
- Opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection with nature
Despite this, the region is home to rare and ecologically important species. The strategy identifies priority areas around existing habitats that can support expansion and restoration efforts.
🏙️ Nature in Urban Life
With most residents living in urban and built-up areas, access to nature is essential for:
- Improving physical and mental health
- Enhancing quality of life
- Enriching biodiversity through urban parks, green spaces, and private gardens
The strategy recognises the role of urban environments in supporting nature and encourages landowners to take action wherever possible.
📣 Public Support and Next Steps
A public consultation held from July to September gathered input from individuals, businesses, developers, and organisations. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, showing strong support for the strategy’s implementation.
Following Board approval, a 28-day notification period will begin. During this time:
- Constituent councils and Natural England will be formally notified
- The strategy will be prepared for submission to the Secretary of State
- This keeps the plan on track to meet the government’s target submission date by the end of 2025