Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are one of the most important new pieces of environmental policy for farmers in England. They are designed to map where nature can be restored and improved, prioritise actions with the best chances of success, and help coordinate funding and efforts across public, private and voluntary sectors. LNRS are not regulations that force you to do things, but they will influence how environmental funding and land use decisions are made locally. (Local Government Association)
This guide explains what LNRS are, how you can find and use yours, real examples of farmer engagement, opportunities including private funding, and how they align with schemes such as SFI and CS.
What is an LNRS and where to find yours
A Local Nature Recovery Strategy is a spatial plan for nature recovery specific to a local region (one of 48 across England). LNRS identify:
- priorities for recovering nature in that area
- existing nature assets that matter most
- where improvements and habitat creation will benefit biodiversity and ecosystem services
- opportunities to support wider environmental goals like flood risk reduction or pollination support (consult.defra.gov.uk)
Strategies consist of a written plan and a local habitat map showing where opportunities exist. LNRS aim to be collaborative and evidence-based, developed by a responsible authority (usually a local council) working with Natural England, developers, conservation partners and local stakeholders including farmers. (consult.defra.gov.uk)
To find your local LNRS, check the list of strategy areas and responsible authorities on GOV.UK or your local authority’s website — most are either published or in consultation phases. (GOV.UK)
What LNRS mean for farmers
LNRS are advisory, not regulatory. They will not require farmers to change what they do, but they do influence how public and private resources are directed for nature recovery. Farmers can use LNRS to:
- understand where nature priorities are locally
- plan nature-based activities on their land that align with local priorities
- shape future funding opportunities or collaborative projects
- identify potential income streams such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) or landscape initiatives (cla.org.uk)
LNRS will increasingly be used as a reference for public investment, planning decisions and environmental incentives, so being aware of what your local strategy says about your land can give you a strategic edge. (Local Government Association)
Real examples farmers can learn from
Cheshire and Warrington LNRS
In Cheshire, more than 400 farmers and landowners have voluntarily pledged around 30,000 hectares towards nature recovery under the local strategy. This collaboration shows how LNRS can bring land managers together to share knowledge and align actions for flood risk reduction, habitat creation and improved soil health across a landscape. (defrafarming.blog.gov.uk)
The LNRS for Cheshire and Warrington includes habitat maps and suggested priority actions, giving land managers clear information on where nature recovery will have the most benefit. (Cheshire Local Nature Partnership.)
Dorset’s collaborative approach
In Dorset, farmers helped co-produce the local strategy from the start. A steering group including farming representatives worked with Dorset Council to shape priorities that are relevant to rural businesses and the environment. This kind of engagement helps ensure LNRS reflect real farm priorities alongside biodiversity goals. (defrafarming.blog.gov.uk)
Opportunities including private funding
Local Nature Recovery Strategies are expected to support both public and private investment into nature recovery. Government policy aims to raise significant private finance for nature (for example, at least £500 million per year by 2027 and more than £1 billion by 2030). LNRS can help identify where that investment would deliver the most environmental benefit, making projects more attractive to sponsors, developers or utility companies interested in natural capital outcomes such as water quality improvements or carbon sequestration. (GOV.UK)
Because LNRS maps show where habitats deliver multiple benefits, they can help farmers align their land use with potential private funding opportunities — for example payments for wetland creation, pollinator habitat enhancement, or water-based ecosystem services — in areas where these solutions help communities and businesses become more resilient. (defrafarming.blog.gov.uk)
How to align LNRS with your SFI and CS planning
LNRS are complementary to schemes like Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship (CS). While LNRS do not replace these schemes, they:
- identify where nature actions are likely to have greatest impact
- show priorities that can inform your action choices under SFI or CS
- provide context for applying actions that produce environmental benefits and strengthen your evidence of environmental delivery
- act as a local evidence base for landscape-scale projects that could support future funding or collaborative efforts (consult.defra.gov.uk)
Using your LNRS can help you plan actions that align with local priorities, which in turn can support stronger applications under SFI and CS by showing you are delivering outcomes where they matter most.
How JustFarm helps farmers use LNRS in planning
Local Nature Recovery Strategies give you a roadmap for where nature recovery opportunities are in your area, but turning those priorities into real management actions and evidence can be a challenge. This is where JustFarm helps:
- JustFarm maps your own parcels alongside LNRS habitat maps, so you can see how local priorities overlap with your land.
- You can log proposed nature actions, link them to SFI and CS actions, and build a timeline into your farm plan.
- JustFarm helps track environmental evidence, photo records and field notes tied to LNRS opportunities and scheme actions.
- When funding windows open, you can quickly check which actions match both LNRS priorities and scheme eligibility.
- Reminders and dashboards help you stay organised and ready to apply early.
JustFarm turns the strategy map into a practical, inspection-ready farm plan you can use every season.
Getting involved and next steps for farmers
- Find your local LNRS on GOV.UK or your council’s planning page and download the habitat map. (GOV.UK)
- Check priority areas and compare them with your land to identify opportunities.
- Engage in public consultation if the draft strategy is still open for feedback. (defrafarming.blog.gov.uk)
- Link LNRS priorities to your environmental actions under SFI or CS for stronger planning and evidence.
Taking an active role now gives you a chance to shape how nature recovery is framed in your area and positions your business to take advantage of future funding.
Final thoughts
Local Nature Recovery Strategies are a new and practical way of joining up environmental ambition with local action. They help focus effort where it can have the most benefit, support collaboration and create clearer decision-making for nature recovery. While they do not change regulations, knowing your LNRS and using it to inform your land management planning can strengthen farm sustainability, resilience and access to funding.
Being prepared and aligning your on-farm actions with local priorities will give you confidence and clarity in a changing policy landscape.
