Cambridgeshire is one of the most nature depleted counties across England. With an ambitious economic growth agenda there is a requirement for putting nature at the heart. The area has already adopted a ‘Doubling Nature’ ambition. This responds to the existing deficit of rich wildlife areas across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and the national biodiversity decline.
A Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) can help deliver this ambition.
What is a 'Local Nature Recovery Strategy'?
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is a key component of the Environment Act 2021. The aim is to set priorities for nature recovery in the country. The LNRS will include as a minimum the following:
Statement of Biodiversity Priorities
- A description of biodiversity for the strategy area.
- Opportunities for recovering or enhancing biodiversity in the strategy area.
- Prioritise areas and species for recovering or enhancing biodiversity in the strategy area.
- Identify priorities for recovery or enhancing biodiversity in the strategy area.
Local Habitat Map - to identify
- National conservation sites in the strategy area.
- Nature reserves in the strategy area.
- Other areas that are important for biodiversity and nature recovery.
- Areas where biodiversity could contribute to other environmental benefits.
These spatial strategies will be developed by a ‘Responsible Authority’ (RA) as set out by DEFRA. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is the RA for the county.
By supporting the recovery of nature, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can become a world-class environment where nature can thrive.
The CPCA contracted the responsibility to Cambridgeshire County Council to develop the LNRS. This was in collaboration with Natural Cambridgeshire (Local Nature Partnership) as a key partner. The work is now complete and responsibility for the delivery of the LNRS is back with CPCA as the Responsible Authority.
Local Nature Recovery Strategy Published
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Nature Recovery Strategy was published in December 2025. The strategy is available to read or download from Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) - Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) in two parts:
- Part One Local Nature Recovery Strategy (opens as PDF)
- Part Two Local Nature Recovery Strategy (opens as PDF)
Live Local Habitat Map
To view and use the map online, please visit Local Nature Recovery Strategy Local Habitat Map (experience.arcgis.com). You can control the layers shown on the map. Some layer examples include areas that are of, or could become of, particular importance plus woodland, grassland, and wetland actions.
LNRS Supporting documentation
Further information on the strategy and access to supporting documentation can be found by visiting the CPCA website; Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) - Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).
How can I stay updated?
- Look out for updates on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) - Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) webpage.
- Contact the CPCA at: environment@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk
Thank you to everyone past and present who has helped contribute to the strategy.
