Enjoying the landscapes and seascapes of Essex is one of the greatest pleasures of living in the county. The joy we experience from the wildlife and natural spaces around us is essential for our wellbeing and a vital resource for the health of our planet.

These spaces, which provide us with so much, have been in long-term decline to the point where we now face an environmental crisis that requires direct and coordinated action to reverse the current path of decline in our biodiversity and bring about a recovery for nature.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are designed to deliver that change and drive action for nature recovery and further environment benefits across England. LNRSs will visibly map out where there are existing spaces for nature and where the opportunities are for nature recovery; including the creation of new habitat and enhancement of existing habitat, while also sharing a written strategy detailing specific actions for nature’s recovery and the improvement of the natural environment.

Made mandatory by the Environment Act 2021, there will be 48 LNRSs produced across England, each created by a Responsible Authority. Essex County Council is the Responsible Authority appointed to deliver the LNRS on behalf of Greater Essex, which includes Southend and Thurrock, and will be supported by the Essex Nature Partnership and other key environmental stakeholders.

The ambition is for the Essex LNRS to become an invaluable tool, enabling the public, private and voluntary sectors to collaborate more effectively for nature’s recovery and encourage collective efforts to be focused where they have most benefit for wildlife and the wider environment.

Everyone has the opportunity to have their say as the Essex LNRS is built upon the evidence and input of the people who know the county of Essex best. From landowners and farmers, to environmental groups and members of the public, those who are closest to our natural spaces will be able to share their knowledge and experience of the environment of Essex.

Bringing this information together in a strategic and definitive way is where the creation of the Essex LNRS begins, so it is the contributions from farmers, landowners, stakeholders and the general public which will define the future of our natural spaces.

Essex County Council will continue to lead active engagement with all parties to enable the development of the Essex LNRS and provide opportunities to input into it. Information will be shared through Parish and Town Councils, environmental and community groups, regional media outlets, social media and digital platforms, plus a series of open workshops and video presentations.

A series of webinars, in person workshops and online presentations will take place throughout November and December, each of which will help to explain more about what the Essex LNRS will be, how it will impact on you and what the benefits will be for nature and our natural spaces. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback, as well as finding out how you can formally input information into the details of the LNRS as it is created.

To find out more about the Essex LNRS, to find out how to have your say or to book your place at one of these events, visit: https://essexnaturepartnership.co.uk/.