Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is the key strategic framework within which biodiversity priorities will be recognised. Our LNRS is currently being developed by Surrey County Council (see video below).
This clearly has important implications for the Community Biodiversity Park proposal. The construction of the LNRS and map is controlled by well defined ecological/habitat criteria – National Designations (SAC, SPA,SSSI, NNR), Local Nature Reserves, Local Wildlife Sites (SNCI’s in Surrey) and Irreplaceable Habitats like ancient woodland, andcient and veteran trees, blanket bog, limestone pavements, coastal san dunes, spartina saltmarsh swards, meditareanean saltmarsh scrub, lowland fens. But new sites can included outside these priority areas.
27 If the responsible authority believes that additional areas require protection due to their particular importance, they should discuss making those areas local wildlife sites with the local planning authority (if this is not the responsible authority).
This perhaps defines the opportunity we have in creating a Biodiversity Park that would be recognised in a Surrey LNRS, assuming that an important dimension of importance might be communities and public authorities working together to help nature enhance biodiversity.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a new spatial strategy to improve nature in Surrey aiming to:
- Reconnect as much of the local habitat as possible to create larger, better managed, and more joined up areas for nature.
- Ensure improved management of existing designated sites to provide better habitat for key species.
- Where possible ensure these areas also provide other environmental benefits such as: flood alleviation, water storage, carbon sequestration (soaking up carbon from the atmosphere),shelter, pollution filters
- To better engage the community with nature rich spaces for health and wellbeing.
You can find out more about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy by watching the webinar.