FAQs
- The design of the map element of the LNRS is designed to be customised for the needs of the user, allow good and easy access to promote successful delivery.
- A huge focus of the process is on collaboration, a team-effort to drive the delivery together and Cornwall Council (CC) is the enabling party for this. Collaborative action is quicker and more powerful, which is key given short timelines.
- Through the priority refinement process we will also be working with groups of key partners to assess each priority area and the enablers that will help delivery happen
- CC’s assets also provide key areas for activity which will be an area of focus.
- Marine elements are a key part of the LNRS, as supported by the Local Nature Partnership (LNP).
- While not currently statutorily included, the process of identifying areas of future opportunity will include marine activity anyway.
- CC uses on an integrative joined-up approach to environmental issues, with both mitigation and adaptation perspectives on the climate and ecological emergencies.
- Nature-based solutions opportunities and climate change risk assessment are integrated into the process. The maps produced will embed the quantity and quality of water, and include risk assessment research on priority habitats and species, forecasting effects on specific geographical areas; this is from collaboration with the University of Exeter, Natural England and the Environment Agency as well as our partners.
- It is in the gift of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to debate and decide on priorities collectively and we are using both a collaborative and evidence-led approach to steer and guide this process.
- Priorities will be gathered collaboratively with interested parties through a series of workshops and surveys, including this strategic survey. This could include habitats, species, processes and nature-based solutions for societal issues. These priorities will be assessed based on their merit, local distinctiveness, and impact.
- A priority weighting system is in development via the LNP steering group, which will also be further informed by strategic engagement over the coming months. The system will balance how priorities like societal ecosystem service delivery, nature-based solutions and biodiversity/ecosystem health will be reflected in the mapping.
- Yes, cross-cutting collaboration is an essential element to both the development and delivery of LNRS, and the relationships we build during the development of the strategy will be vital in helping to deliver the strategy once adopted.
- Collaboration is also vital across our regional boundaries given nature does not have boundaries. We have been actively collaborating with Devon and the wider southwest region on LNRS activity.
- There are also a number of wider initiatives that organisations can get involved in outside of the LNRS. This includes the LNP sub-groups who lead on topical discussions such as marine and river catchments, and Pledge for Nature which organisations can use to share their plans for nature. These are good platforms for collaboration, sharing and visibility (though activities so far have been largely orientated toward SME’s, and we’re looking to extend to larger organisations as well).
- We also run annual LNP conferences and promote activity through the LNP social media channels and newsletter. We are open to other ideas for further collaboration.
What will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy do?
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will serve as a powerful guiding tool for enhancing Cornwall’s natural environment. It will outline strategic approaches to restore and conserve nature across our region. This means that the strategy will provide guidance for actions that can be taken to protect and restore local ecosystems, which in turn supports the wellbeing of both people and wildlife.
What won’t the Local Nature Recovery Strategy do?
We want the Local Nature Recovery Strategy to be a tool for guiding decisions, not for limiting land manager choice on what to do with their land. The maps will provide a suite of options, helping people to make evidence-led decisions. At the same time, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy mapping is not a replacement for onsite surveys and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy document is not a replacement for project planning. It is a strategic tool, and whilst it outlines the best opportunities for nature in the short-term and recommends the best locations for these to happen, it does not stop anyone from taking positive action for nature now.
What is the interplay between the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and potential future designations.
Areas identified as opportunity areas in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy do not infer any level of added protection. Any sites put forward for future designations will still have to follow the process/criteria specific to that designation. This would still be the case for land identified as opportunity area or land in Countryside Stewardship +/Landscape Recovery Scheme. However, it would be sensible to expect a degree of overlap between opportunity areas and proposed sites - simply by virtue that many opportunity areas will become increasingly valuable to nature over time.
What is Cornwall Council and the Isles of Scilly’s role in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy?
Cornwall Council have been chosen by Defra to be the Responsible Authority for developing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy in our region. Natural England and the Council of the Isles of Scilly are our Supporting Authorities, and the strategy is also being co-adopted by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership.
Cornwall Council meets regularly with all of these organisations, as well as a wide range of other organisations, groups and relevant parties to ensure that the strategy is created in collaboration and encompasses the wide-ranging views and interests of parties across the region.
The strategy will be updated every 3-10 years, and this timeline will be dictated by the Environment Secretary. At this time, Cornwall Council will be responsible for updating the strategy, and monitoring progress since the creation of the last strategy.
How will Biodiversity Net Gain be integrated and influenced by the Local Nature Recovery Strategy?
Local Nature Recovery Strategies are set to play a pivotal role in co-ordinating Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) practices by outlining habitats and locations where we will be able to deliver opportunities for nature. Statutory BNG requires developers to provide a 10% uplift in the amount of biodiversity after a development. This ensures that development projects give back to nature more than they take. The Local Nature Recovery Strategy can support this by providing maps of what habitat or actions would be best in distinct locations. This will help both onsite and offsite delivery of BNG.
We are awaiting further guidance from Defra on how exactly the Local Nature Recovery Strategy will support delivery of BNG. and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy will amplify and contextualise this goal. More information on BNG can be found here.
How will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy integrate with other Cornwall Council and relevant partner strategies?
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy plays a unique role in translating the broader, long-term vision of Cornwall’s Environmental Growth Strategy into actionable, community-driven plans with tangible outcomes. By distilling these other strategic visions into shorter-term, more digestible plans, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy will ensure that economic and environmental agendas harmonise effectively, fostering a balanced approach to sustainable development going forwards.
We will also be working with a wide range of organisations across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to ensure that the Local Nature Recovery Strategy aligns with their strategies and plans and vice versa.
Can there be a target set for half of the Town and Parish Councils across Cornwall to go pesticide-free within three years of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy being launched?
It is conceivable to envision that, with the launch of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, a concerted effort could be undertaken to encourage and support Town and Parish Councils across Cornwall to transition to pesticide-free practices within a three-year span. Such a motion will align with the overarching goals of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, promoting healthier ecosystems and habitats. However, it would require drive from Local Town and Parish Councils followed by alignment across multiple areas of the council’s delivery and estates maintenance programmes which would require top-down political pressure to action and monitor the change.
Would the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and/or Nature Recovery team consider extending a Costal Protection Order around the remainder of the Cornwall coastline as a means of providing protection for sensitive landscape?
This falls outside of the direct scope of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Further to this The Coast Protection Act (1949) and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 already delineate the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the Coastal Protection Authority and the Marine Management Organization, respectively. The division of authority between these acts would make it challenging to establish a unified Coastal Protection Order that covers both landward and seaward areas. Therefore, the practicality of extending a single Cornwall Protection Order to encompass the entire Cornwall coastline could be impeded by existing legal frameworks and administrative complexities.
Where can the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, LAGAS, and other maps be accessed? Are they available in print?
All of the maps, including the Local Nature Recovery Strategy mapping and LAGAS, are/will be readily accessible online, allowing easy download and printing. While digital access is paramount for broader reach, reducing environmental footprints and timely updates and edits, providing printed versions will also be explored to accommodate those who prefer tangible resources e.g., libraries and schools.
Does the Local Nature Recovery Strategy include an 'influencer' role?
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy does possess an influential capacity. By guiding and inspiring individuals, communities, and organisations, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy intends to foster a collective effort toward nature recovery. This influential aspect will stem from its ability to shape perspectives, drive policy discussions, and motivate positive actions for nature.
Can the Local Nature Recovery Strategy help designate higher marine protected areas?
Although the marine component of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy is not legally binding, it holds influence. While the Local Nature Recovery Strategy primarily focuses on terrestrial environments and only extends to mean low water mark, its theme and context will be able to play a role when advocating for any future designation of higher marine protected areas, which are no doubt critical for preserving marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
Will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy develop a vision for Cornwall's future wood/timber resource?
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy will play a role in envisioning a sustainable future for Cornwall's woodlands and timber resources through its inclusion of woodlands as a priority habitat.
Where can people go for advice on how to process nature recovery on their land
The Council's nature recovery team and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy primarily offer strategic guidance for Nature Recovery across the county. For more specific advice, the see the Local Nature Partnership’s Nature Recovery Toolkit and initiatives like "Forest for Cornwall" can respectively provide high level guidance, funding opportunities and specific tree planting consultancy. Moreover, numerous environmental organisations within Cornwall and the OIS, such as Wildlife Trusts, West Country Rivers Trust, and Rewilding Britain, can provide specialised guidance on nature recovery efforts and initiatives.
When planning habitat restoration, will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy work closely with ecologists to ensure suitable species and interconnected habitats?
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy recognises the importance of collaboration with ecologists and taxonomic experts in habitat restoration. By involving ecologists, the strategy will ensure that appropriate species and habitats are included and that any future created habitats are well-connected and maintained to create more joined up nature networks. For the mapping, we are working with local taxonomic experts to locate species recovery opportunity areas. Additionally, the mapping method we are using takes into consideration things such as connectivity to ensure that our opportunity areas are creating joined up habitats. This collaborative approach will also be influenced by the public through the nature recovery survey and interactive map with the intention to maximise the usefulness of the LNRS and the effectiveness of on the ground Nature Recovery efforts going forward.
Will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy support active engagement within schools?
The Nature Recovery team is committed to supporting active engagement within schools. By fostering environmental awareness and encouraging hands-on participation, the strategy will aim to cultivate a sense of responsibility and stewardship among the younger generation, paving the way for a more nature-conscious future.
Will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy provide clear, accurate, and accessible information for enthusiastic individuals to contribute to restoration efforts?
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy aims to offer a comprehensive document of information that is clear, accurate, and easy to access. This will empower enthusiastic individuals to make informed decisions and actively contribute to restoration endeavours, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the delivery of the nature recovery blueprint for the Cornwall
How will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy integrate across the border with Devon?
The Cornwall Council nature recovery team is actively collaborating with counterparts in Devon to ensure integration of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy across borders. This collaboration aims to align strategies, particularly in terms of mapping and planning, to create a harmonious interface at the border and in areas like the Tamar Valley and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring cohesive efforts for nature recovery.
How is the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) focussing on delivery?
How do we use the LNRS to link to Cornwall’s Climate Change Risk assessment, both in terms of the water environment and the pressures on habitat changes and deliver ‘ecologically smart water management’ effectively?
How are priority habitats identified?
Are there long-term opportunities for sharing best practice between party organisations?
Will the Local Nature Recovery Strategy include the marine areas below low water mark?
The statutory limit of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) stops at the mean low water mark, therefore subtidal habitats and species will not be included. However, Cornwall Council as Responsible Authority for the LNRS, recognises that the character and wildlife of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is shaped by our seas. In addition, throughout our 2021 pilot and our more recent engagement, the value of our marine environment to communities and businesses has been clear in the feedback we’ve received from our partners and the wider public. Therefore, we are committed to reflecting the maritime nature of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly throughout our LNRS, such as considering what actions we can take on land which will have a positive impact on the seas what surround us. We are also committed to developing a separate Voluntary Marine Nature Recovery Framework which will align with and compliment the LNRS, focusing on nature recovery opportunities which are below mean low water.
Why is the marine area below low water mark not included in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy?
Although DEFRA’s Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) statutory regulations and guidance highlighted that coastal Responsible Authorities such as Cornwall Council should consider how to factor in neighbouring marine areas and plans in their strategies, they must not extend their LNRS mapping or priorities beyond the local authority boundary (usually mean low water mark). This is due to the fact that regulations under the Environment Act ensure that LNRSs align with the terrestrial planning system, not the separate marine planning system. As a result, Cornwall Council will be developing a separate Voluntary Marine Nature Recovery Framework which will align with and compliment the LNRS, focusing on nature recovery opportunities which are below mean low water.