The North Yorkshire and York Local Nature Recovery Strategy was published in February 2026. In this blog we take a look at what it is, why it's needed, what it says and how it involves the National Park. The full list of documents can be found on the North Yorkshire Council website.
What is a Local Nature Recovery Strategy?
A Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a legally required plan designed to reverse the decline in nature while delivering wider benefits for people. In North Yorkshire and York, the LNRS has been prepared by North Yorkshire Council, working with a wide range of partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency, the National Park Authorities, local councils, charities and farming representatives.
Its purpose is to restore existing natural areas and propose new ones so wildlife can flourish. The strategy must agree what is most important for nature’s recovery, map the most valuable existing natural areas, and proposals for improving or creating habitat.
Why is it needed?
Over 25% of species in Yorkshire have declined in the last 30 years. Many species in the area are considered nationally endangered or vulnerable to extinction, including Curlew, Adder and Water Vole. Only 15% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest are in favourable condition, and less than 20% of rivers are classed as having good ecological status.
What does it say?
The LNRS sets out a vision “to work together to enhance, expand, restore and connect our region’s habitats for thriving nature across North Yorkshire and York”. By 2035, the ambition is for the area to be a leading example of working to support nature by restoring, enhancing and managing the natural environment for people and wildlife, while supporting the economy and addressing climate change.
To deliver this, the strategy identifies overarching priorities such as joining up habitats so species can move more easily, acting for key species, controlling invasive species, improving recording of nature, and working with communities. Alongside these are habitat-based priorities grouped into farmland, upland, grassland, woodland, water and wetlands, urban and coast. These priorities will lead to practical actions on the ground, such as improving hedgerows by planting gaps and managing them more effectively.
How does this involve the National Park?
Within the wider framework of the LNRS, the North York Moors National Park Authority’s Nature Recovery Plan plays a vital role. The National Park is one of the key partners in the LNRS process, and its Nature Recovery Plan sets out how nature will be enhanced, restored and connected within the National Park itself. Many aspects of the strategy outputs detailed above are already happening within the National Park including through our GrubsUp!, Woodland Creation, FiPL, Traditional Boundaries projects and engagement projects like REConnect which help generate public interest and encourage people to support nature recovery.
The National Park's own Nature Recovery Plan is a great place to discover how our work works with, and in support of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
