Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)

June 2025

• As of 12 June, the public consultation for Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy has closed.
• The public consultation ran for 8 weeks and respondents were asked to feedback on the Statement of Biodiversity Priorities and Habitat Map, as well as the existing nature in Suffolk, opportunities we've identified for nature's recovery, case studies demonstrating the success of nature recovery work and our methodologies for creating the LNRS.
• You are still able to view the draft strategy document that was consulted on as well as the Local Habitat Map but no further comments can be left.
• Over 175 people took part in the consultation and we received further comments directly on the Local Habitat Map. We are reviewing all the feedback and will incorporate it into the final draft of the LNRS as appropriate.
• As per the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) guidelines, we will publish the feedback and our responses in due course.

March 2025

• We have completed the first full draft of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This includes the Statement of Biodiversity Priorities and Habitat Map, as well as the existing nature in Suffolk, opportunities we’ve identified for nature’s recovery, case studies demonstrating the success of nature recovery work and our methodologies for creating the LNRS.
• Working with land managers, conservation experts, local authorities and regional advisors, we have completed the draft Statement of Biodiversity Priorities. This covers the priority habitats, habitat assemblages and species for Suffolk, as well as actions that could be taken to support their recovery.
• The draft Local Habitat Map highlights key areas of focus and provides an overview of the measures identified for each relevant piece of land. Refinement of the mapping is ongoing throughout the process as more data becomes available.
• The formal 28-day pre-consultation phase with Supporting Authorities (District & Borough Councils, Broads Authority and Natural England) took place at the start of the year. We shared the full draft strategy and mapping with Supporting Authorities to gain approval for moving into public consultation. All Supporting Authorities approved the draft LNRS progressing to Public Consultation.
• Ongoing decisions around Devolution and local elections have impacted our planned timelines for public consultation and strategy delivery. The public consultation will take place from 16 April until 11 June.

October 2024

• Survey results from our Public and Land Manager surveys has been analysed, with results contributing to the longlisted biodiversity priorities. Responses from the public and landowners highlighted similar priorities in Suffolk, as well as corresponding results from the Norfolk LNRS surveys.
• Work has continued on creating the document structure and drafting the final strategy document. There is ongoing collaboration with partners to contribute case studies of nature recovery work already taking place across the county.
• Nearly 300 relevant plans and strategies from across Suffolk and Norfolk were consulted, identifying over 1600 existing nature recovery priorities which are being used to inform our biodiversity priorities and measures.
• A long list of over 1500 species was created using key data and local expertise. This was reduced to a short list of 264 species using robust processes, supporting evidence and expert opinion. The shortlist has been organised into 24 key priority species and 15 habitat assemblages.
• Regular meetings with the Steering Group have been ongoing to help guide the direction of the strategy work. The Themed Working Groups continue to be consulted at key points to contribute expert advice, support and relevant data.
• Monthly Supporting Authority Liaison Group meetings have been established to provide updates and an opportunity for feedback for our Supporting Authorities. These are attended by representatives from Ipswich Borough Council, East Suffolk Council, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council, West Suffolk Council and Broads Authority.
• Opportunities for contributing to mapped areas of potential opportunity were presented to experts, partners, landowners, sector groups and all survey respondents.
• Planning for the intended March 2025 Public Consultation is ongoing.

July 2024

• Initial mapping of the Areas of Particular Importance to Biodiversity has been completed. This maps all designated areas across the county and those considered particularly important for nature. 
• A first draft of the Description of the Strategy area has been written. This will be included in the final strategy and highlights the current state of nature in Suffolk, the pressures and opportunities for our habitats and species.
• The Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership (N&SNRP) Steering Group has been established and begun advising on the development of the LNRS.
• The N&SNRP website has been made live, with ongoing updates and developments planned: nsnrp.org
• Six Themed Working Groups have been established, supporting across Land Management, Water and Coast, Species and Biodiversity, Mapping and Planning (one for each county). Initial engagement has begun with a first round of workshops taking place in April and May.
• Engagement across different sector groups has been established with webinars and workshops delivered for communities across Suffolk, a Business and Leisure group, Health, Wellbeing and Access group and Local and Parish Councils.
• Public and Land Management surveys were launched to gather input into the longlisting process for the strategy, helping to identify what our species and habitat priorities should be and areas of opportunity.
• Gathering of relevant spatial plans, nature recovery strategies and other documents covering the county to form part of the consideration for the strategy.
• Connection with wider stakeholders is ongoing through events, conversations and other engagement opportunities.

December 2023

• The first dedicated LNRS sessions were held for Suffolk and Norfolk ‘Supporting Authorities’ and the Nature Recovery Partnership. 
• Production of a project timeline, communications, and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Production and testing of early LNRS mapping across both counties: ‘areas of existing importance for nature’ and wildlife site connectivity potential.
• The development of the first Nature Recovery Partnership website is in progress.
• Formation of a dedicated joint LNRS team comprised of staff from both Norfolk County Council (NCC) and Suffolk County Council (SCC) and the Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership Manager.
• Putting governance in place, including collaboration between both SCC and NCC under the Nature Recovery Partnership, and identifying aspects specific to Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.
• Identification of themes as the basis of LNRS working groups in spring and summer 2024. These are: communications, land management, mapping, coast and water, biodiversity and nature-based solutions, and two planning groups (one for each county).
• Progressing steering and working group membership.
• Active early engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and partners from many sectors, including farmers and landowners, local community partnerships, planning authorities, water companies, and nature conservation bodies.

The draft strategy is now available.

As part of the process a local habitat map has been created which highlights areas of the county that are particularly valuable for nature. You can access the full version of the draft map.

1. Stakeholder Engagement: there has been engagement with local stakeholders, including conservation groups, landowners and community organisations throughout to ensure the strategy reflects local needs and opportunities.
2. Consultation: Stakeholder consultation has been, and will be ongoing throughout the process.
3. Inspiring New Projects and Practical Delivery: The LNRS is intended to help inspire and generate new partnerships and practical nature recovery projects on the ground.

The government anticipates that an LNRS will take 12 to 18 months to prepare and publish, with aim of completion due by the end of 2025.

Suffolk County Council has been designated as the responsible authority for developing Suffolk’s LNRS. We will do this by working closely with supporting authorities – the districts, borough and Broads Authority - local nature organisations, landowners and a wide range of other stakeholders.

We will work jointly on this with Norfolk County Council, through our Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership, reflecting the continuity in habitats and nature recovery opportunities across the two counties. We will also liaise closely with Essex and Cambridgeshire to ensure the LNRS works across county boundaries.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) are a requirement of the Environment Act (2021). Suffolk County Council is the Responsible Authority for delivering Suffolk’s LNRS.

LNRSs form part of a new, nationwide approach to drive nature recovery across England. They focus on highlighting and revitalising natural habitats across Suffolk by:

• mapping the existing important areas for nature
• identifying and mapping the best locations and opportunities for nature recovery
• prioritising key species and habitats for recovery
• planning where and how to create new and connect existing habitats.

UK wildlife has, on average, declined by 19% since 1970. Many of the country’s most important habitats are now in poor condition. The UK now has less than half of its biodiversity remaining.

The LNRS is needed to prevent further biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation.

Nature recovery is also essential to our daily lives in ways that we can’t easily see, including:

• supporting food production and local economies
• pollinating our crops
• connecting and expanding areas for nature so that wildlife can thrive and move across the county
• reducing the impacts of extreme weather events
• improving air, soil, and water quality
• providing recreational and educational opportunities
• boosting our mental and physical wellbeing
• helping us to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The LNRS will provide a blueprint for how Suffolk’s local communities, landowners, local authorities, private companies, and government bodies can work together to; broaden protection, restore, and recover nature on the ground. This will include:

• Creating Nature Recovery Networks: Land that connects isolated habitats, creating corridors that promote species migration, genetic exchange, and adaptation to climate change.
• Enhancing Biodiversity: Creating or improving habitats for native species, addressing factors that threaten biodiversity, and reintroducing species that have disappeared locally.
• Green Space Access and Connection: Improving access to and the quality of green spaces and natural areas for local residents.
• Using Land Sustainably: Examples include sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, to nature-based solutions in urban planning and development.
• Engaging With Communities and Partners: Involving local communities, businesses, and landowners in the nature recovery process.
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Using natural solutions such as; increasing tree cover to remove carbon from the atmosphere, restoring wetlands and peatlands, and changing the way farmland is managed.
• Opportunities for Education: To increase community awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues and the importance of healthy ecosystems.

• Developers and Planning Authorities: The LNRS will be used as a long-term decision making tool to help guide mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain and other planning tools such as Green Infrastructure.
• Farmers and Land Managers: The LNRS will be used to inform applications for funding from Environmental Land Management schemes, supporting Suffolk’s agricultural sector. It will also help steer opportunities for nature-based solutions such as flood risk management and sequestering carbon through new trees, woodlands and healthier soils.
• Suffolk Residents and Communities: By involving local communities in the development and implementation of the LNRS, it will foster a sense of local ownership, responsibility, and appreciation for biodiversity.
• Businesses and the Local Economy: The LNRS will play an important role in bringing green investment into the county from national and international funding sources, and creating local opportunities for Suffolk businesses to achieve their environment and social governance (ESG) objectives.

We have designed the LNRS to:

• guide public authorities in meeting their legal duty to protect and enhance biodiversity.
• boost the benefits of nature for community health and wellbeing.
• highlight priority areas for nature recovery and encourage local involvement.
• identify sites for habitat creation and improvement.
• support local planning and align it with wider nature recovery goals.
• help secure funding for nature projects.
• encourage community nature groups.
• map key locations where habitat work will have the greatest impact.

LNRSs are not designed to be prescriptive. They are tools to drive forward action to recover nature. They will not be used to:

• require land managers or owners to make specific proposed land use changes. This will remain their choice
• place new restrictions on developing land or act as a specific blocker for proposals
• assign new legal protections that create restrictions on how land is used or managed
• propose new nature reserves or any other kind of legal designation
• prevent nature conservation in areas that are not prioritised by the LNRS
• determine regulatory decisions, such as the result of Environmental Impact Assessments.

Funding to support the preparation and publication of Suffolk’s LNRS by SCC has been provided by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

No core funding has currently been provided for the subsequent implementation, monitoring and review of the LNRS. It is anticipated that the LNRSs once adopted will help lever in funding for nature recovery using the range of tools and incentives referred to in the Strategy.

The LNRS can support housebuilding targets by giving planners and developers key information to guide decisions on land use planning. This might include information about how to plan and build housing that supports nature recovery goals and boosts biodiversity.

Local planning authorities must consider how to protect and enhance biodiversity. To do this, they should consider the nature recovery priorities outlined in LNRSs when developing local plans. This will ensure that these plans contribute to and enhance the local and natural environment.

Local planning authorities should also be aware of the areas and potential measures in the LNRS Local Habitat Map. They should consider what safeguarding is needed to deliver the proposed actions.

By supporting nature, we can grow food on our best farmland. At the same time, we can set aside less productive land for nature to recover. Recovering nature benefits food production and agricultural land by:

• helping to improve soil and water quality
• increasing the number of pollinators
• supporting adaptation to extreme weather; and
• creating more resilient farmland habitats.

Suffolk’s LNRS can help landowners, managers, and tenant farmers identify locations for nature recovery on their land. This will support landowners and managers in applying for funding for environmental improvements. These schemes can boost farm income by ensuring farmers get paid for restoring nature while also growing food.

The government offers different funding options to encourage landowners and managers to support nature recovery activities. These include, but are not limited to:

• Farming in Protected Landscapes
• Environmental Land Management Schemes
• Sustainable Farming Incentive.

We have designed the LNRSs to complement other environmental schemes and financing, such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). The nature recovery actions in the LNRS can help find key areas for off-site BNG delivery. The mapping can be used to determine the ‘strategic significance’ score in the BNG metric. This means that if biodiversity gains are delivered in LNRS key areas, then within the biodiversity metric, they will be worth 15% more.

Please email the delivery team at LNRS@suffolk.gov.uk