A NEW local nature recovery strategy (LNRS) has been approved by Wiltshire Council’s cabinet.

This strategy will support the council’s biodiversity duty, support planning processes including biodiversity net gain (BNG), and potentially unlock green finance opportunities.

The LNRS will not however impose requirements on landowners or managers; instead, it will encourage voluntary action through funding and investment opportunities.

Following public and stakeholder consultation earlier this year, the final LNRS has been completed and endorsed by all supporting authorities.

The strategy will now go to Full Council on October 21 for formal adoption by Wiltshire Council as a strategic framework document.

Once adopted, the LNRS will help public bodies meet their legal duty to protect biodiversity. It will also guide the development of local and neighbourhood plans and help assess BNG in planning applications.

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While the LNRS supports nature recovery, it doesn’t automatically prevent development in the areas it identifies. Instead, it provides useful evidence that can be considered during planning decisions, depending on the specific case.

Councillor Paul Sample JP, cabinet member for environment and climate, said “Well-functioning natural systems are vital for every aspect of our lives.

“Our new LNRS gives landowners, community groups and partners the information they need to start safeguarding Wiltshire’s flora and fauna.

“I hope it will result in more projects and funding that will support nature recovery and deliver wider benefits for now and future generations.

“It will also include more projects like carbon sequestration through woodland creation and peatland restoration.

“Other benefits will include climate resilience through natural flood management, urban cooling, improved air and water quality – all through nature-based solutions.

“It encourages integrated approaches that support biodiversity, people and productivity.

“Crucially, it meets the needs of a growing Wiltshire population by enabling sustainable housing while protecting the integrity of our wildlife sites.

“I look forward to the strategy being formally adopted by Full Council and then continuing to work with our community groups and keys stakeholders to develop a delivery action plan.”

The LNRS has been developed in collaboration with supporting authorities— Swindon Borough Council, New Forest National Park Authority, and Natural England—as well as a wide range of stakeholders including environmental groups, landowners and managers, and ecological organisations.

In June 2023, Wiltshire Council was formally appointed as the Responsible Authority for preparation of the LNRS covering the Wiltshire and Swindon area and subsequent reviews and updates.

Nationally, there are 48 responsible authorities.