Somerset Council has recently published its first Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). The aim of this document is to reverse the decline in nature throughout the county. The intention of the LNRS is to achieve the greatest environmental benefits for Somerset. It will help to guide action and investment in areas where nature recovery is most needed. In addition it will support land managers, developers, planners, environmental groups, and residents by identifying opportunities for nature recovery.

The plan contains:

• Statement of biodiversity priorities – defines goals and actions based on input from stakeholders
• Local habitat map – shows where nature recovery actions can be most effective by identifying where nature recovery and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) actions will have the highest impact.

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy means environmental spending can be targeted more efficiently which helps to reduce long-term financial pressures through natural flood management, climate resilience and improved ecosystem services.

Councillor Graham Oakes, Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment said: ‘This strategy is about working together to make sure that our wildlife, green spaces, and natural landscapes can thrive for future generations.’