Help shape the future of nature recovery in West Northants

Residents, landowners, farmers, and community groups are invited to have their say on the area’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

11 February 2026

This draft strategy sets out how nature across the area can be created, restored, enhanced, and connected for the benefit of wildlife, people, and the environment.

Introduced under the Environment Act 2021, LNRSs are statutory strategies designed to reverse biodiversity decline and restore ecosystems. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is one of 48 local authorities across England appointed by Defra as a LNRS responsible authority, leading the development of a strategy that meets national requirements while reflecting the area’s unique local landscape, habitats and communities.

West Northamptonshire’s LNRS includes:

• A local habitat map – showing existing habitats and highlighting opportunity areas for habitat creation, restoration, and connectivity.
• A statement of biodiversity priorities – setting out agreed priorities for habitats and species, and actions to achieve them, and why these actions should be the focus of nature recovery efforts.

Together, these provide a blueprint for nature recovery, guiding decisions by councils, landowners, developers, and funding bodies, while supporting wider benefits such as climate resilience, flood mitigation, and community wellbeing.

Nature in England is under significant pressure, and the LNRS will help target action where it will have the greatest ecological impact. The consultation is an opportunity for local people and organisations to shape priorities, identify key areas for restoration, and influence how public and private funding is directed to benefit nature.

The LNRS will:

• Identify the best actions and places for habitat creation and restoration.
• Inform planning decisions and processes , including where Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is best delivered for nature recovery.
• Guide landowners and farmers towards nature-friendly actions, such as hedgerow planting, woodland creation, or natural flood management measures.
• Enable landscape-scale projects by providing a strategic focus for landowners, communities, businesses and environmental groups.

Participation in delivering these actions is voluntary, the LNRS does not change land ownership or impose legal protections. Instead, it provides guidance and strategic direction to ensure coordinated and effective nature recovery.

West Northamptonshire is home to a rich and varied natural environment, from our rivers, woodlands and meadows to the many species of wildlife that depend on them. Protecting these special places and reversing biodiversity loss will only be possible if we work together. Our first Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides a clear, evidence-led blueprint for where action can make the greatest difference - for nature and for our communities.

This consultation is a vital opportunity for residents, farmers, landowners and local organisations to help shape local priorities, highlight what matters most in their area, and influence how future investment in nature recovery is directed. By taking part, people can help ensure our landscapes, habitats and wildlife continue to thrive for generations to come.Cllr Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste at WNC

Take part in the consultation on our consultation pages until midnight on Wednesday 25 March. You can also view the draft LNRS and maps here 

This is your chance to help shape West Northamptonshire’s approach to nature recovery and ensure that local habitats and wildlife can thrive for generations to come.