Final Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy - notice of publication

Following cabinet approval on 27 November 2025, Lancashire County Council considers the Lancashire LNRS to be ready for publication in accordance with The Environment (Local Nature Recovery Strategies) (Procedure) Regulations 2023. Lancashire County Council's intended date for publication of the LNRS is Friday 16 January 2026, provided that Supporting Authorities are content for the strategy to be published.

The Statement of Biodiversity Priorities and the Local Habitat Map have both been reviewed and amended to take account of the results of the public consultation which concluded in August 2025.

We would like to thank everyone who responded to the consultation and all those who have assisted in preparing the final strategy.

What is a Local Nature Recovery Strategy?

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) were introduced by the Environment Act 2021 to drive nature's recovery and provide wider environmental improvements. Their main purpose is to identify locations to create or improve habitat most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.

The LNRS is a tool to identify opportunities for nature recovery, which can be used to target action and funding. It is important to note that the LNRS is not a delivery plan and does not place any obligations or restrictions on landowners. It identifies the best opportunities and locations for nature recovery. However, this does not preclude nature recovery action in other locations.

Preparing the Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Lancashire County Council was appointed as the responsible authority for the preparation of the Lancashire LNRS, which includes Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool. An inclusive and collaborative approach has been taken to co-produce the Strategy with a broad range of stakeholders. Details of how the strategy has been developed can be found within the Lancashire LNRS Evidence and Technical Information Document.

The Lancashire LNRS was the subject of a 6-week public consultation process between June and August 2025. This resulted in a large number of responses from residents and others, demonstrating widespread public support for the strategy and enthusiasm to be involved in the delivery process. Consultation responses also highlighted potential improvements to the strategy. The final strategy takes account of the feedback received. Further details of the public consultation and how it was taken into account within the final strategy can be found within the Lancashire LNRS Consultation Report and associated documents.

Lancashire's vision for nature recovery

This Strategy provides a shared vision for collaborative nature recovery action to protect, enhance and connect our rich natural environment and biodiversity to benefit all Lancashire residents and visitors. It aims to:

• Halt and reverse local biodiversity loss and support thriving species populations to move more freely through the landscape.
• Conserve natural resources and build resilience to climate change.
• Provide wider environmental and societal benefits for the people of Lancashire.
• Reinvigorate existing partnerships and establish new ones to deliver nature recovery in the places and spaces that need it most on a landscape-scale.

What is in the Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Strategy is made up of two main elements, a Statement of Biodiversity Priorities, and a Local Habitat Map.

The Statement of Biodiversity Priorities, includes:

• A description of Lancashire and its biodiversity.
• A summary of pressures on Lancashire's biodiversity and opportunities for recovery.
• Priorities (the long-term end results that the strategy is seeking to achieve).
• Potential Measures (actions, that can be taken to contribute to achieving each agreed priority and deliver wider benefits).
• 'Universal Priorities' that relate to recurring pressures across all habitats.
• 'Supporting Actions' that are important in achieving the wider goals of nature recovery.

The Local Habitat Map identifies:

• Areas of Particular Importance for Biodiversity. These include Lancashire's internationally, nationally, and locally designated sites, as well as statutory irreplaceable habitats.
• Locations where Potential Measures, including creation or restoration of habitats as well as bespoke action for target species, could deliver the greatest gains in terms of nature's recovery, wider benefits for the environment and people, and the most investible opportunities for private investment in nature's recovery. Together these form Areas that Could Become of Particular Importance for biodiversity.

There may be a number of potential measures mapped in the same location. For any location, all mapped potential measures should be given consideration prior to selecting the most suitable option.

Delivering the Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Delivery of the LNRS will include:

• Embedding the LNRS into local decision making.
• Building delivery partnerships.
• Identifying and facilitating strategic projects.
• Monitoring and reporting on delivery of LNRS priorities.

Acknowledgements

The Lancashire LNRS was produced with contributions from a broad range of stakeholders. Lancashire County Council would like to thank all those who contributed to the LNRS and everyone who will be involved in its implementation.

Contact details

If you would like to contact the Nature Recovery Team please email:

lnrs@lancashire.gov.uk