Hertfordshire’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) has been published marking a landmark step in our commitment to restoring and enhancing nature across Hertfordshire and playing our part in the restoration of nature across England. A ‘nature summit’ will be held in January to formally launch the strategy and share plans for the delivery for the strategy.

Priorities include improving habitats for species like Swift and Water Vole to increase biodiversity and create a more resilient natural environment for future generations. It will guide projects that benefit both people and wildlife, while supporting efforts to tackle climate change.

Developed over two years by the Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership (HNRP), chaired by Hertfordshire County Council, the strategy sets out a shared vision and identifies priority areas for investment and action, including protecting our ancient chalk streams. The partnership brings together organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, working closely with land managers, citizen scientists and local communities.

Everyone can play a part in supporting nature’s recovery whether they manage acres of land or a small garden, so public engagement has been at the heart of this process. Hertfordshire had over 70 sites put forward by local landowners for inclusion in the LNRS and achieved the highest number of LNRS consultation survey responses nationally with 751 survey responses from residents, organisations and community groups.

Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of the Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership said:

"We are thrilled by the incredible response from Hertfordshire residents. Achieving the highest number of LNRS consultation responses nationally shows how deeply our communities care about nature. This strategy is a roadmap for a greener, healthier Hertfordshire, and we look forward to working together to make it a reality. We extend our sincere thanks to all partners for their dedication and collaboration. This Strategy represents our shared commitment to nature, and we look forward to delivering it together."

Peter Mitchell, Head of Sustainability and Innovation at Gascoyne Estates and member of the HNRP Steering Group said:

"It’s been a privilege representing land managers in creating this critical plan. Farmers and landowners across Hertfordshire are motivated to deliver for nature, and many are already leading the way. With 70% of the county’s land in private ownership, ensuring the LNRS works for land managers is key to achieving impact and scale."

Laura Burrows, Chief Executive at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said:

The launch of Hertfordshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy is a significant moment for the county. It is an opportunity to restore our most vulnerable habitats, give wildlife the chance to thrive, and ensure our communities prosper hand in hand with nature. By uniting local partners, residents, and landowners behind this strategy, we have a real chance to build a greener, healthier and more resilient Hertfordshire, where people, wildlife and sustainable development can all flourish together.”

You can find full details of Hertfordshire’s LNRS here, and read more about the Trust's role in shaping Hertfordshire's LNRS in our blog ‘Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy: A Critical Time for Chane and Catalysing Action’.