A consultation on the draft Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is still open for feedback
The consultation, launched by Westmorland and Furness Council last month, will help shape the future of nature recovery across Cumbria
The Cumbria LNRS is a collaboratively developed strategy which will provide priorities for restoring biodiversity by bringing together existing environmental data, established strategies, and national guidance. Crucially, it will also incorporate valuable local knowledge and expertise to ensure that actions taken for nature recovery deliver the greatest possible positive impact for Cumbria's and its unique environment.
The draft LNRS identifies key ‘priorities’ for nature recovery within the county, alongside ‘potential measures’ that can be implemented to achieve these goals. Furthermore, the strategy highlights the geographical areas within Cumbria that are best suited for these targeted interventions.
Westmorland and Furness Council and the Supporting Authorities (Cumberland Council, Lake District National Park Authority, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Natural England) are inviting residents, landowners, businesses, community groups, and anyone with an interest in nature recovery to have their say. Feedback will be instrumental in shaping the final Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
The consultation can be completed online and closes on Sunday 22 June 2025.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, and LNRS Project Board Chair, said:
“Biodiversity loss remains one of the most urgent environmental challenges we face. Nature underpins so much of our daily lives - from the clean air we breathe and the water we drink, to the food we eat, the materials we build with and the green spaces that support our wellbeing. Yet across Cumbria, like elsewhere, many species and habitats are in decline.
“The draft Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy sets out a clear, shared vision for reversing this trend. It’s a key opportunity for our county to work together across communities, organisations and sectors to restore and enhance nature for current and future generations.
“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to give their feedback so far. If you haven’t had your say yet, we urge everyone to take part before the survey closes this weekend. Your views will help shape a nature recovery strategy that delivers real and lasting benefits across Cumbria.”
Cumbria is one of 48 designated strategy areas in England, as mandated by the Environment Act 2021, developing their own unique LNRS. Once finalised and submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the strategy will be a crucial guiding document for nature recovery efforts in the area and will be reviewed periodically every 3 to 10 years to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Further information can be found on the Cumbria LNRS website.