Buckinghamshire Council launches its first-ever Local Nature Recovery Strategy
It aims to reverse biodiversity loss and restore nature across the county
Buckinghamshire Council has published its first-ever Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) — a landmark plan setting out a vision for reversing biodiversity loss and restoring nature across the county.
The strategy is one of 48 being developed by councils across England as part of a national initiative to halt the decline of wildlife and habitats. Buckinghamshire’s LNRS has been prepared with the support of Natural England and Milton Keynes City Council, the two designated supporting authorities.
Recent UK biodiversity statistics highlight the urgency of the work. Data from 2025 shows a 19% average decline in species abundance since 1970, with nearly one in six species now threatened with extinction. According to DEFRA, England remains among the world’s most nature-depleted countries due to ongoing and historic declines in biodiversity.
The new LNRS identifies where conservation actions will have the greatest impact, setting out priorities and locally tailored measures to protect and restore wildlife habitats.
Cllr Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change & Waste at Buckinghamshire Council, 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 strategy features an interactive online map showing where nature recovery measures would have the most benefit. The map highlights key areas for habitat restoration, species protection, and landscape connectivity, allowing local partners to target their efforts effectively.
Publication of the LNRS follows months of consultation and engagement with landowners, conservation groups, farmers, and residents. Their input helped ensure the plan reflects local knowledge and supports practical delivery on the ground.
Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, Cabinet Member for the Public Realm at Milton Keynes City Council, said: “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.”
The LNRS will serve as a vital evidence base for Local Development Plans, helping to guide where Biodiversity Net Gain measures should be located, target environmental funding, and shape investment in nature-based solutions such as flood management, tree planting, and climate adaptation.