Local nature recovery strategies (LNRS): new opportunities for farmers and landowners

27th Aug 2025

Author: Michael Bracegirdle

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) represent one of the most significant changes to land management policy in recent years. These legally required, locally led plans aim to restore biodiversity across England by setting clear priorities for nature recovery and targeting investment where it can have the greatest impact.

For farmers and landowners, LNRS offer not only a chance to contribute to environmental improvements but also access to new funding streams and collaborative opportunities with developers and local communities.

In this blog, Mike Bracegirdle, Partner, explains what LNRS are, how they are being developed and what they could mean for you as a farmer, landowner or land manager.

What are Local Nature Recovery Strategies?

Local Nature Recovery Strategies are statutory plans designed to reverse biodiversity loss and create a healthier natural environment. They aim to:

• Support species recovery in the face of climate change
• Deliver environmental benefits such as cleaner air, improved water quality, healthier soils, and greater public access to nature
• Establish shared priorities for restoring habitats through collaboration between land managers, local authorities, communities and conservation groups
• Map practical actions to specific locations, ensuring efforts deliver the greatest possible ecological impact

How are LNRS being developed?

There will be 48 strategies covering the whole of England, each led by a designated responsible authority working closely with local partners who understand the land and its challenges. Natural England provides technical advice and oversight, while public consultation ensures that communities can engage with the process.

Although most strategies remain under development, four have already been published:

• West of England
• Northamptonshire
• Cornwall, Isles of Scilly
• Isle of Wight

Why do LNRS matter for farmers and landowners?

Engaging in LNRS is about opportunity, not restriction. By participating, farmers and landowners can:

• Access enhanced funding: LNRS identify priority areas for habitat creation. Projects within these areas can benefit from a 15% uplift in biodiversity units under the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) metric, increasing their value.
• Navigate funding schemes with support: LNRS can help identify the most suitable Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive options for your land.
• Explore Landscape Recovery projects: These long-term, large-scale projects can provide significant environmental and financial benefits.
• Strengthen local engagement: LNRS encourage collaboration with neighbouring landowners, community groups and developers to deliver meaningful nature-based improvements.

How does this link to Biodiversity Net Gain?

As we discussed in our recent blog on Biodiversity Net Gain: key considerations for developers and landowners, developers are now legally required to leave the environment in a better state than before they built on it. LNRS play an important role in this process by identifying the most strategically valuable locations for habitat creation, making them highly attractive for BNG offsetting projects.

What types of projects can LNRS support?

Examples of projects supported through LNRS include:

• Small, nature-friendly adjustments on farmland or estates
• Large-scale habitat restoration, such as moorland, heathland or montane landscapes
• Rehabilitation of peatland – restoring blanket bogs and improving degraded valley mires
• Wildlife habitat enhancements, including deer control, protection from recreational pressure, and support for endangered species like breeding waders or black grouse

Legal considerations for landowners

If a developer approaches you regarding a BNG arrangement, it is vital to consider the implications of LNRS alongside any lease or sale agreement. Far from restricting land use, these schemes can create new income opportunities, particularly for poorer-quality land.

For example, entering into a BNG agreement, leasing land for woodland creation, or letting land for a well-managed shooting syndicate can all provide additional revenue streams while supporting environmental goals.

How Butcher & Barlow can support you

We pride ourselves on providing clear, practical legal advice that avoids jargon but delivers results. Our strong commercial agricultural team can assist you with:

• Evaluate the legal and financial implications of participating in LNRS or BNG projects
• Negotiate and draft leases, licences, and management agreements
• Advise on Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive options
• Support participation in Landscape Recovery projects and community-led initiatives

By working with us, you can be confident that every agreement reflects both your environmental ambitions and your long-term business objectives.

Key takeaways

Benefit	Explanation
Funding access	LNRS identify priority areas for habitat creation, boosting the value of environmental units by 15% under BNG
Income potential	Participation in schemes can turn less productive land into profitable opportunities (e.g. leases for woodland or shooting)
Community and environmental value	Work with local groups and natural capital schemes to deliver tangible ecosystem benefits
Legal security	Expert advice ensures agreements reflect your land use goals and future aspirations

 

At Butcher & Barlow, we understand the challenges and the potential of LNRS. We are committed to supporting you, whether you manage farmland, estates, commons or woodland, to unlock both environmental and commercial benefits. If you would like to discuss how Local Nature Recovery Strategies could affect your land or explore opportunities for Biodiversity Net Gain projects, please contact our Agricultural Property Team.

 

 

The information in this article was correct at the time of publication. The information is for general guidance only. Laws and regulations may change, and the applicability of legal principles can vary based on individual circumstances. Therefore, this content should not be construed as legal advice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified legal professional to obtain advice tailored to your specific situation. For personalised guidance, please contact us directly.