Somerset Council has published its first Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) — a landmark long‑term plan aimed at reversing the decline of wildlife and restoring habitats across the county.
The strategy, which has been endorsed by the Council’s Executive, sets out priority areas for nature recovery, recommended actions, and a detailed Local Habitat Map showing where environmental work will have the greatest impact.
It is designed to guide investment and support land managers, planners, developers, environmental groups and residents in identifying opportunities to protect and enhance local nature.
The LNRS includes a Statement of Biodiversity Priorities, shaped through consultation with landowners, environmental organisations, community groups and statutory agencies.
By identifying where nature recovery and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) efforts will be most effective, the plan aims to ensure environmental spending is targeted efficiently. Somerset Council says this will also help reduce long‑term pressures through natural flood management, climate resilience and improved ecosystem services.
Cllr Graham Oakes, Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment, said the strategy marked a major step forward.
“This strategy is about working together to make sure that our wildlife, green spaces and natural landscapes can thrive for future generations,” he said.
“Being surrounded by thriving, nature‑rich landscapes is often what draws people to live in Somerset. This plan is an essential step towards restoring habitat and diverse ecosystems across the county.”
Natural England has also endorsed the strategy. Principal Manager Simon Stonehouse said it represented “dedicated collaboration” and provided “a blueprint for protecting and restoring the remarkable wildlife that makes Somerset so special.”
Somerset Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Georgia Dent welcomed the publication, highlighting the urgency of tackling the nature crisis.
“Somerset’s State of Nature report shows significant declines in species such as fritillary butterflies and species‑rich grasslands,” she said. “This strategy sets out how we can work together to turn this around.”
Somerset Council will now work with partners through delivery groups, community networks and land management clusters to put the strategy into action. Annual updates will report on progress and highlight further opportunities for collaboration.
The full strategy, Local Habitat Map and summary materials are available on Somerset Council’s website.
