About Us
The main purpose of the LNRS is to identify locations across our area to create or improve habitats like woodlands, rivers and meadows. These will be placed where they are most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment.
The strategies do not force the owners and managers of the land identified to make any changes. Instead, the government is encouraging action through opportunities for funding and investment.
Why do we need an LNRS?
Across the world, nature is in crisis. One million species are threatened with extinction, many within decades. Our planet is experiencing the largest loss of life since the dinosaurs and is it largely the result of human activity.
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. 41% of species are in decline and 15% are facing extinction.
Like much of the UK, nature is under pressure in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent too.
Helping nature helps us
By helping nature, we are also helping ourselves. Nature provides important goods and services that support our wellbeing and quality of life. From the insects that pollinate our food crops, to trees storing carbon, nature is essential to us.
Helping nature is a cross-cutting theme. It is part of the our life supporting systems of soil health, water quality and air quality.
Image copyright: Nature Scot
What the LNRS will achieve
We have set ambitious targets and objectives for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LNRS.
We hope this work will help to:
- Halt the decline in species abundance by 2030.
- Protect 30% of UK land for biodiversity by 2030.
- Increase species abundance by at least 10% from 2030, surpassing 2022 levels by 2042.
- Restore or create at least 500,000 ha of a range of wildlife rich habitats by 2042.
- Reduce the risk of species extinction by 2042.
- Restore 75% of our one million hectares of terrestrial and freshwater protected sites to favourable condition, securing their wildlife value for the long term by 2042.
- Increase woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050
How we will develop the LNRS
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will be developed in collaboration with a wide range of partners, including:
- Landowners
- Supporting authorities
- Regulatory bodies
- Neighbouring regional authorities
- Communities
- Businesses
- Environmental bodies
- and utilities.
We will engage with stakeholders throughout the development process and seek their input and feedback through consultations. We will also keep the public updated on our progress via our website and other communication channels.
By working together, we can develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy that reflects the needs and priorities of our community and helps to ensure a healthy and thriving natural environment for future generations.
Who is responsible for developing the LNRS
The below list shows the Responsible Authority and Supporting Authorities involved in developing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy:
- Landowners
- Supporting authorities
- Regulatory bodies
- Neighbouring regional authorities
- Communities
- Businesses
- Environmental bodies
- and utilities.
Who is responsible for developing the LNRS
The below list shows the Responsible Authority and Supporting Authorities involved in developing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy:
- Staffordshire County Council (Responsible Authority)
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council (Supporting Authority)
- Stafford Borough Council (Supporting Authority)
- East Staffordshire District Council (Supporting Authority)
- South Staffordshire District Council (Supporting Authority)
- Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (Supporting Authority)
- Newcastle Borough Council (Supporting Authority)
- Lichfield District Council (Supporting Authority)
- Tamworth Borough Council (Supporting Authority)
- Cannock Chase District Council (Supporting Authority)