Protected: Somerset’s Nature Recovery Strategy – Consultation
We want to hear your views on our draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Somerset
The consultation is now open
We have drafted a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Somerset to help reverse the decline in nature in our local area (also known as ‘recovering’ nature). We now want your views on our draft.
The consultation will help ensure the strategy reflects the needs and views of local communities, stakeholders, and experts.
What is a Local Nature Recovery Strategy?
Local Nature Recovery Strategies are tools that explain where nature recovery would bring the most benefit to wildlife and people. They aim to identify opportunities and priorities for recovering habitats and species at the local level. It is one of several measures in the Environment Act 2021 that aim to halt the decline of nature in England.
They are part of a nationwide move to create the space and connectivity needed for nature to thrive, recover and be resilient. A key objective is to support the establishment of a national Nature Recovery Network (NRN), and 48 Local Nature Recovery Strategies will be developed across England to help deliver this. Learn more about Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy page.
Our draft strategy
Our draft strategy outlines the priority species and habitats for Somerset. It also shows the measures that could be taken to restore and enhance what we already have and create new spaces.
The strategy has two main parts: a Statement of Biodiversity Priorities and a Local Habitat Map. The Statement of Biodiversity Priorities outlines the strategy’s objectives, informed by input from local stakeholders and other relevant plans. It also details how to make these goals happen with real actions on the ground. The Local Habitat Map shows where the actions can be delivered.
You can find the Local Habitat Map along with supporting documents further down this page.
We have also produced a Local Nature Recovery Strategy Glossary, which you can refer to if you are unfamiliar with any words or phrases.
Have your say
We have worked with land managers and farmers, nature experts and community groups to create a plan that works for everyone. Now we want to know what you think.
Please tell us what you think by responding to our survey. Your feedback will help inform our final strategy. The survey should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. We will use the information you provide to inform the development of the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Please tell us your views by 11.59pm 31st October
Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy ConsultationThe Local Habitat Map
This is an interactive map which shows:
- Where Somerset’s existing nature-rich places are
- The identified locations and potential actions that give the best opportunities for nature recovery
Take a look at Somerset’s Local Habitat Map. Zoom in on your area to see how nature could be recovered. We recommend viewing the map on a desktop or laptop computer rather than on Android or iOS devices due to compatibility issues.
Supporting the Local Habitat Map are two guides which explain how we created the maps and how to use them.
Supporting documents
- Appendix 1 – Governance and stakeholder engagement
- Appendix 2 – Membership of the Strategic Oversight and Advisory Groups
- Appendix 3 – Policies, strategies and plans relating to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy
- Appendix 4 – National Environmental Objectives
- Appendix 5 – Identifying Priorities and Potential Measures for Species Recovery
- Appendix 6 – Process for developing priorities and potential measures
- Appendix 7- List of invasive non-native species and pests and diseases
- Appendix 8 – LNRS List of invasive non-native species and pests and diseases
- Appendix 9 – Local Habitat Map User Guide
- Somerset LNRS – Statement of Biodiversity Principles.pdf
Why your views matter
The strategy will inform national funding schemes, local plans and strategies. It will also provide land managers, conservation organisations, local authorities and communities with a collaborative view on how and where nature recovery and other environmental benefits are best delivered.
Your input will play a vital role in shaping the final strategy, ensuring it reflects the diverse needs of Somerset’s natural environment.
What happens next?
Following the consultation, your responses will be analysed and a consultation report, outlining the feedback, will be published on this webpage. This feedback will be used to help finalise the LNRS.
Once the LNRS is finalised, we will share it with the Supporting Authorities (Natural England and Exmoor National Park Authority) and our neighbouring Responsible Authorities. Following a 4-week period, and the addressing of any issues, the final version of the Strategy will be presented to Somerset Council for adoption in late Autumn 2025, before it is presented to the Secretary of State for approval ahead of publication.
We expect to publish Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery around December 2025.
The strategy will guide nature recovery initiatives across Somerset, contributing to the broader National Nature Recovery Network across the country. This will not only support local conservation efforts but also play a crucial role in national biodiversity goals.
