Our place in the Surrey Local Nature Recovery Strategy Norman Jackson

The Surrey Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) was formally launched on June 2nd at Denbies Vineyard It has taken over 3 years to develop with a lot of contributions from nature-based organisations and community groups and several public consultations. It will provides decision makers, especially those involved in planning with an evidence base to inform decisions about new development. It will also form the basis for funding to enhance biodiversity.
The full document and map can be found at:

Part 1: A description of the strategy area and its biodiversity (PDF) – A concise overview of the LNRS area, outlining its key landscapes, habitats, ecological features, and current biodiversity condition, providing the baseline context for recovery action.

Part 2: A statement of biodiversity priorities and species priority list (PDF) – The definitive list of priorities and potential measures that together will deliver a thriving, connected and wildlife-rich Surrey.

Part 3: The Local Habitat Map – An interactive map showing:

• Areas of Particular Importance for Biodiversity (APIB) – Areas already identified as being of particular importance for biodiversity, including nationally and internationally designated sites, local nature reserves, local wildlife sites, and irreplaceable habitats.
• Areas that Could become of Importance for Biodiversity (ACIB) – The area outside of the APIB identified as having the potential to deliver the greatest benefits for nature if targeted potential measures are implemented, helping expand and connect existing high‑value habitats.
• Potential Measures – Areas where proposed specific nature recovery actions should be delivered to best achieve LNRS priorities, identifying locations where targeted measures can restore or enhance biodiversity.

 
The Local Habitat Map is of particular importance. It shows areas of highest biodiversity significance and areas which have the potential to become significant for biodiversity. Figure 1 provides an extract from the map for the area covered by the 4Bs Biodiversity Initiative. The most significant areas from a biodiversity perspective are coloured in dark green. In the 4Bs these are ancient woodlands and chalk grasslands of the North Downs, and other fragments of ancient woodland dotted through our landscape there are also a number of veteran tree locations.

Areas with the potential to become significant from a biodiversity perspective are concentrated along the scarp slope of the North Downs, which is currently mostly farmland – arable, pasture and grass crops. Other areas highlighted are along the River Mole and its system of tributaries.

Of particular interest to the 4Bs biodiversity initiative is the area in and around Tranquil Wood which has both a high value ancient woodland and an extensive area which has the potential to become significant for biodiversity.

Figure 1 4Bs Biodiversity Initiative Area within the Surrey Local Habitat Map