West Northamptonshire Council approves its first Local Nature Recovery Strategy
18 September 2026
The first Local Nature Recovery Strategy for West Northamptonshire has been approved.
LNRS are new spatial strategies, required by the Environment Act 2021, which identify long lasting priorities, practical actions to deliver them, and the places where these efforts will have the most impact for nature recovery.
At their meeting on Tuesday 15 September, West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet approved the LNRS, which has been developed with a range of partners. It will be published on the WNC website later this month.
The LNRS is needed because wildlife and landscapes are currently under unprecedented pressure. Species are declining at an accelerated rate across the UK – since 1970, 41% of the UK’s species studies have declined. (1)
In turn, West Northamptonshire is one of England’s most nature-depleted areas and the wildlife sites that remain are often small, in poor condition, and isolated from one another.
A healthy natural environment is essential for tackling climate change and wider environmental challenges. The diversity of habitats and species provide essentials such as clean and plentiful water, food, clean air, productive soil, flood protection, shading and cooling, as well as benefits like space for recreation, exercise, and wellbeing.
The LNRS strives to replenish West Northamptonshire’s wildlife by focusing on the Making Space for Nature (Lawton 2010) principles - more, bigger, better, and joined up. These actions are categorised on five habitat types - farmland, woodland, grassland, freshwater and wetland, and urban - and supporting the species that live in them.
It also outlines how nature-based solutions such as tree planting, wetland restoration and sustainable drainage can tackle environment risks, and encourages collective action to safeguard and restore the natural environment through clear priorities and practical actions that local organisations, landowners and communities can adopt.
Cllr Nigel Stansfield – Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste said: “This is the first Local Nature Recovery Strategy for West Northamptonshire and has been developed alongside partners, farmers, local groups and residents, with input from a range of professionals.
“Nature is essential to our communities – from ensuring we have access to clean air and water, farmers grow food sustainably and wildlife rich green spaces for recreation, exercise and wellbeing.
“Our aim is to safeguard nature for generations to come, and create cleaner, greener spaces that meet the needs of local communities and offer them an opportunity to connect with nature.
“Everyone can contribute to improving the natural environment we live in together. I encourage local organisations, landowners and communities to read the strategy and take action to ensure our natural environment becomes more robust and resilient to provide the benefits we often take for granted."
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will be published on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy page.
- National Biodiversity Network 2019