An update on Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) in the region

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are one of the most ambitious tools to emerge from the Environment Act 2021. Designed to map out where nature restoration should happen at a landscape scale, they offer a practical way to target environmental investment where it will have the greatest impact.

For the East — a region dominated by intensive agriculture, rapid development and some of the most fragmented habitats in the country — LNRS are becoming essential guides for shaping the future of the natural environment.

But progress across the region is far from uniform. Some counties have already crossed the finish line with fully published strategies, while others are still consulting, drafting or preparing to launch. What follows is a tour through the region, exploring where each county stands and the themes emerging from their plans.

Norfolk is one of the region’s frontrunners. Its LNRS, published in October 2025, was developed in partnership with Suffolk and the Norfolk & Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership — a sign of how seriously the county is taking cross‑boundary collaboration.

Its priorities reflect Norfolk’s defining landscapes: restoring wetlands and rivers, strengthening coastal resilience, supporting species recovery and promoting nature‑friendly farming across its vast arable plains.

Suffolk launched its LNRS on the same day as Norfolk, cementing a joint approach that recognises the ecological continuity between the two counties.

Suffolk’s strategy focuses on protecting vulnerable coastal habitats, restoring peatlands and river catchments, boosting farmland biodiversity and improving ecological connectivity across the county.

Bedfordshire has formally adopted and published its LNRS, giving the county a clear framework for action.

Its priorities include restoring chalk grasslands, improving woodland connectivity and enhancing nature in urban areas — particularly important in a county that includes both Luton and Bedford.

Essex published its LNRS in July 2025, supported by the Essex Local Nature Partnership.

The strategy reflects the county’s diverse landscapes, from estuaries and mudflats to densely populated towns. Key themes include coastal and estuary restoration, strengthening nature networks and expanding urban green infrastructure.

Lincolnshire is still developing its LNRS, with public consultation due to open soon.

The county’s focus is clear: restoring fenland and peatland habitats, creating coastal floodplain landscapes and improving biodiversity across its extensive farmland.

Nottinghamshire published its LNRS in November 2025, working closely with the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group.

The strategy highlights the county’s iconic landscapes — from Sherwood Forest to its river corridors — and sets out plans for woodland recovery, river restoration and stronger nature networks in and around urban areas.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough published their joint LNRS in December 2025.

Given the county’s internationally significant peat soils and fenland habitats, the strategy places heavy emphasis on peatland protection, wetland creation and nature‑friendly farming across the Fens.

West Northamptonshire is preparing its LNRS for public consultation in February, with final publication expected in May or June.

Its emerging priorities include river restoration, woodland expansion and the creation of green corridors to link fragmented habitats.

North Northamptonshire was one of the earliest counties in the region to publish its LNRS, releasing it in February 2025.

The strategy focuses on river restoration, expanding broadleaved woodland, enhancing farmland landscapes and improving ecological connectivity.

Hertfordshire published its LNRS in December 2025, supported by the Hertfordshire Local Nature Partnership.

With chalk streams, ancient woodlands, productive farmland and rapidly growing towns, Hertfordshire faces a complex balancing act. Its strategy prioritises chalk stream restoration, woodland expansion, urban nature recovery and strengthening ecological networks between the Chilterns, the Lea Valley and East Anglia.

Across the East the rollout of LNRS is gathering pace. With several counties now published and others close behind, 2026 is shaping up to be the year when plans look to turn into delivery.

The real challenge — and opportunity — lies in what comes next: aligning funding, land management and community engagement to create a resilient, nature‑rich future for the region.