Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Nature Recovery Strategy below:

What does LNRS stand for?
What do we mean by “nature recovery”?

Nature recovery has not been specifically defined by the Environment Act or the Local Nature Recovery Strategy regulations or statutory guidance. In general however, we are talking about expanding, creating, managing or restoring habitats to support the native species that live there. This could also mean actions to reverse the decline of a species, reintroducing species that have been lost or controlling invasive non-native species.
How are priority areas in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent identified for nature recovery?

Priority areas are being identified through a process involving peer-reviewed science, robust ecological data, expertise from landowners, farmers and eNGOs and local knowledge from communities and the wider public. Important factors that are being considered include biodiversity value, ecosystem services, potential to connect habitat and expand nature networks, and regions most at risk from environmental issues (e.g. flooding, air quality).
What actually is a Local Nature Recovery Strategy?
What is the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent?

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is a comprehensive plan designed to drive local nature recovery efforts, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to the wider environmental objectives of the region. It outlines priorities and associated measures to improve natural habitats, species protection, and ecological connectivity across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Why is the LNRS important for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent?

The LNRS is crucial for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent because it provides a targeted approach to conserving and enhancing the region’s unique natural environment. It addresses specific local challenges such as habitat degradation, species decline, and climate change impacts, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources for future generations.

Preparation and Planning

Who is responsible for preparing Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's LNRS?

Staffordshire County Council was designated as the Responsible Authority (RA) by Defra in June 2023. However, achieving the success of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will require close collaboration with Supporting Authorities, including all city, district, and borough councils, Natural England, and the Peak District National Park Authority. The effectiveness of the LNRS will ultimately depend on strong partnerships with the Local Nature Recovery Partnership, environmental organisations, farmers, land managers, community groups, businesses, and other key stakeholders. This collaborative approach will ensure the LNRS is comprehensive and accurately reflects the needs and priorities of all residents across the region. (Can we capture this elsewhere? Also, the partnership is the Local Nature Recovery Partnership only, the other stakeholders you’ve identified are the one’s we’re working with, but we’re not in partnership with them.)

Staffordshire County Council was designated as the Responsible Authority (RA) by Defra in June 2023. However, achieving the success of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will require close collaboration with Supporting Authorities, including all city, district, and borough councils, Natural England, and the Peak District National Park Authority. The effectiveness of the LNRS will ultimately depend on strong partnerships with the Local Nature Recovery Partnership, environmental organisations, farmers, land managers, community groups, businesses, and other key stakeholders. This collaborative approach will ensure the LNRS is comprehensive and accurately reflects the needs and priorities of all residents across the region. (Can we capture this elsewhere? Also, the partnership is the Local Nature Recovery Partnership only, the other stakeholders you’ve identified are the one’s we’re working with, but we’re not in partnership with them.)
How are priority areas in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent identified for nature recovery?

Priority areas are being identified through a process involving peer-reviewed science, robust ecological data, expertise from landowners, farmers and eNGOs and local knowledge from communities and the wider public. Important factors that are being considered include biodiversity value, ecosystem services, potential to connect habitat and expand nature networks, and regions most at risk from environmental issues (e.g. flooding, air quality).

Engagement and Involvement

Who can get involved?

Every resident in Staffordshire has a stake in nature. Therefore, we want to hear from everyone, whether you consider yourself a humble wildlife enthusiast or someone who enjoys the technical aspects of restoring nature.

We’re reaching out to gather input from stakeholders, welcoming perspectives on key priorities for nature recovery and the areas you feel are most significant. The easiest way to share your thoughts is by emailing us at (I would also put the link for the newsletter in here, maybe instead of the LNRS email inbox LNRS@Staffordshire.gov.uk )
Local communities - How can you participate in preparing the LNRS?

There are many ways for local communities to contribute, including joining public consultations, filling out surveys, attending events and workshops, offering local insights and feedback, or volunteering to support nature recovery projects during LNRS delivery.
Businesses – can you play a role in LNRS development and delivery?

Absolutely, businesses have an important role to play. Businesses of all sizes can contribute by shaping the strategy, embracing sustainability and net zero within their practices, supporting local nature and biodiversity recovery (e.g. through BNG), participating in CSR initiatives, and partnering with environmental groups to promote biodiversity.

Landowners, Land Managers, Farmers and Estates

Is the LNRS compulsory for land managers?

No, it is not mandatory nor a delivery plan. You will not be forced to make changes to your land or into particular actions for nature. The final LNRS aims to provide inspirational guidance to those that wish to improve nature on their land. For example, you may use the strategy to see where the creation or improvement of habitat is likely to provide the greatest benefit to species and environmental issues (e.g. flooding). However, the LNRS will not be a substitute for local knowledge, or the need for site surveys.

We anticipate the LNRS will eventually link to ELMs, although in what manner is yet to be outlined by Defra. The LNRS will also have a significant bearing on how and where Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) should be delivered, and the calculation of units. Other sources of funding will likely come relating to woodland creation, species protection, and other emerging nature markets (e.g. carbon credits)
Local communities - How can you participate in preparing the LNRS?

The LNRS has mapped all of Staffordshire as required by the 2021 Environment map.
Is it just Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent , I have land in more than one county?

There will be 48 Local Nature Recovery strategies developed that will cover the whole of the UK.
Will there be any grants for implementation of LNRS projects?
What if I disagree with the mapping decision?
How much will this cost me?

Delivery and Monitoring

How will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) interact with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will play a crucial role in guiding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) initiatives by identifying key habitats and locations where opportunities for nature restoration can be maximised. Under statutory BNG requirements, developers must ensure a 10% net increase in biodiversity following a development, ensuring that projects contribute more to nature than they take away.

The LNRS will support this effort by providing detailed maps that highlight suitable habitats or recommended actions for specific areas. This guidance will facilitate both onsite and offsite implementation of BNG.

There is also expected to be a strategic uplift of 15% to the value of units when BNG projects align delivery to areas identified in the LNRS.

We are currently awaiting additional guidance from Defra on how LNRS will directly support the delivery of BNG. However, the LNRS will enhance and provide context for this initiative. You can find more information about BNG here (provide external link).
I’m already involved in a nature recovery project—does the LNRS replace it?

There are many ongoing projects, partnerships, and initiatives already working to support nature in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and we have no intention of halting or hindering their progress.

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy may build upon or include aspects of these existing efforts and could look for opportunities to expand or connect them with other initiatives.

However, not every local project or initiative will be included in the LNRS as it will ultimately reflect the priorities identified and agreed through the LNRS process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparation and Planning

Engagement and Involvement

Landowners, Land Managers, Farmers and Estates

Delivery and Monitoring

Contact details

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