Buckinghamshire publishes first-ever Local Nature Recovery Strategy

24 Oct 2025, 2 p.m.

Buckinghamshire Council has this week published its Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) which sets a vision for nature recovery in Buckinghamshire.

Forty-eight councils have been appointed to publish an LNRS to halt and reverse biodiversity loss across England – Buckinghamshire's LNRS is supported by Natural England and Milton Keynes City Council, the two designated supporting authorities.

UK biodiversity statistics for 2025 show concerning trends, with a 19% average decline in species abundance since 1970 and nearly 1-in-6 species being threatened with extinction. According to DEFRA, England is considered one of the most nature-depleted countries globally due to historic and ongoing declines in biodiversity. The strategy proposes actions in locations that will have the greatest impact towards achieving the priorities within the document.

Having a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) in place will help to:

  • identify local biodiversity priorities and potential measures;
  • show where actions to achieve the priorities would best be located;
  • assess species in the area most at risk and action required to help them recover; and
  • propose practical, locally tailored actions

Cllr Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change & Waste, said: “Extensive stakeholder engagement with over 500 individuals, farmers, land managers, environmental organisations, town and parish councils, and developers have helped shape Buckinghamshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and we’re very grateful for their input. By taking a localised approach, we can focus efforts where they’re most needed. This is a very significant milestone in our collective efforts to support the vital work required for nature’s recovery and to enhance our local environment.”

The LNRS contains an interactive map that shows where measures for achieving the area’s nature recovery priorities would best be located to make the most difference to nature. This can be found at LNRS Habitats map.

Publication of the LNRS follows a period of extensive consultation and engagement with landowners, farmers, conservation groups, and residents, whose local knowledge and insights helped shape the strategy, ensuring it supports practical delivery of nature recovery.

Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for the Public Realm at Milton Keynes City Council, commented: “We’re pleased to have supported Buckinghamshire Council in developing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Working together means we can do more for the landscapes we share and the green spaces that connect our communities. This strategy gives us an opportunity to deliver change locally and for the people who enjoy the many green spaces we have to offer.”

Phil Bowsher, Chair of the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Natural Environment Partnership (NEP), added: "The NEP is pleased to have led the preparation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, working closely with Buckinghamshire Council, Milton Keynes City Council, and all our partners. It has been a huge collective effort, and we’re grateful to all who contributed their time, expertise and energy to the process. Working together in partnership towards nature recovery has never been more important – we now look to the delivery of the Strategy and redoubling our united efforts towards this aim.”

Local Nature Recovery Strategies will be used to provide an evidence base for Local Development Plans to support the location of Biodiversity Net Gain requirements in the planning system, to help best target environmental funding, and shape where investment in nature-based solutions like flood management, tree planting, and climate adaptation takes place.