Overview
Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are spatial strategies for nature which were mandated in the Environment Act 2021. Oxfordshire County Council is the 'responsible authority' for delivering Oxfordshire's LNRS.
The main aim of LRNSs is to map the most important areas that need protection and restoration for nature to recover. However, national guidance from DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) also offers scope for these strategies to consider so-called wider environmental benefits of nature, such as climate resilience, natural flood management, and access to nature.
Following an extensive stakeholder engagement process, the draft LNRS went out for formal public consultation in Autumn 2024. The final version will be published in the Spring.
What we’re doing
OLNP is a key partner in LNRS development, including through co-ordinating stakeholder input. Our People and Nature lead has been involved in various elements of strategy development from the start, advising on ways in which a more holistic approach to people and nature can be considered (within the limited parameters set out in DEFRA guidance) so that the LNRS is more closely aligned with wider priorities around social and environmental sustainability in the County.
As well as collaborating with partners for a wider engagement reach and ensuring that key evidence is incorporated into strategy development, we have worked closely with Public Health to submit a response to the formal consultation process.
Related publications
Recognitional equity in access to and planning of urban green spaces
This research by Mattia Troiano looks at how fair access to parks and green spaces in Oxford is influenced by income and community backgrounds. It finds that poorer communities often struggle to have their voices heard in decisions about these spaces, making it harder for them to shape their local environment. Even when efforts are made to include them, a lack of trust and practical barriers can stop them from taking part. Without recognizing these challenges, attempts to improve access and involvement in planning may not work as intended and could even make inequalities worse.
Equitable distribution of nature-rich accessible green space: An Oxfordshire case study
Oxfordshire’s Local Nature Partnership commissioned this research to understand the equality of access to green space, in terms of quantity and quality, across the county to help prioritise effort and funding. The project has identified neighbourhoods that are relatively deprived according to socio-economic measures and lack access to greenspace on a number metrics (including amount of greenspace, greenspace crowding and private gardens). Recommendations for Oxfordshire greenspace based on the report have been developed with local government officers and NGOs with responsibilities and/or interest in the subject.
Understanding the barriers to greenspace access
Access to green space and connection with nature are key determinants of physical and mental wellbeing. Yet some groups face significant barriers to access, many of which are poorly understood. Greenspace & Us is a community insights partnership project that used participatory and creative approaches to understand the barriers and enablers influencing access to greenspace for young women in East Oxford. The project was supported by Oxfordshire County Council and funded by Natural England.
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