Local nature recovery strategies are a system of spatial strategies for nature and environmental improvement required by law . Each strategy must:

• agree priorities for nature’s recovery
• map the most valuable existing areas for nature
• map specific proposals for creating or improving habitat for nature and wider environmental goals.

The main purpose of the strategies is to identify locations to create or improve habitat most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.

The strategies do not force the owners and managers of the land identified to make any changes. Instead, the government is encouraging action through, for example, opportunities for funding and investment.

 Section 6 of The Environment Act 2021 explains what a responsible authority should include in their local nature recovery strategy. In the Liverpool City Region, the responsible authority is the Mayoral Combined Authority.

The  DEFRA Local Nature Recovery Strategy Statutory Guidance document March 2023  sets out the procedure in preparing contents for a local nature recovery strategy.

Common Blue Damselfly

• MEAS and Merseyside BioBank are providing ecological support to the responsible authority on LNRS preparations.
• This includes updating our baseline information on habitats and species. This includes Natural England Nature Recovery Network Seedcorn projects
• Talking to wildlife experts to identify nature recovery priorities. Species Technical Group minutes and papers are available here: Local Nature Recovery Strategy | Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk)
• Mapping local habitats including irreplaceable habitats. Merseyside BioBank is leading on an Ancient Woodland Inventory project.
• Reviewing the LCR Ecological Network which maps core biodiversity areas and Nature Improvement Areas drawn around strategically important ecological assets.
•  Working with Nature Connected and delivery partners to identify how we can collectively deliver LNRS priorities. This includes exploring species recovery funding opportunities.
•  Leading on a Farmland Species Recovery and Sefton Greenways project.

How will the LNRS be used ?

Local Plans and strategies must have due regard to the LNRS. This nature recovery strategy will provide local planning authorities and developers with a framework to recovery nature such as through delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain requirements in the right place to help bring resilience to our degraded ecological networks and improve species dispersal at a landscape scale.

It will also:

•       Create a healthier and greener Liverpool City Region
•       Support local collaboration and partnerships
•       Direct and support local policy including:
•       Biodiversity Net Gain
•       Habitat Banking
•       Environment Land Management
•       Green Infrastructure
•       Ecosystem Services and emerging Environment Net Gain
•       Provide better access to nature and green spaces
•       Increase natural environment funding, putting it where it matters most
•        Help to tackle climate change and resilience