Consultation begins on nature recovery project

Cumbria is one of 48 areas in England developing a nature strategy

People are being asked for their views on a draft document outlining measures to support nature recovery.

The Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) aims to restore and connect habitats so that important species across the county can thrive.

A six-week public consultation will close on 22 June, with a goal to agree the best places to plant trees, restore peatland, improve grassland condition and mitigate flood risk.

Councillor Giles Archibald, LNRS Project Board Chair, said: "We must shift our collective focus towards ensuring the finalised strategy is not just a document on a shelf, but a call for action that delivers real, tangible and lasting benefits for nature across Cumbria."

A draft version provides seven priorities, including safeguarding existing important areas, improving data and reducing the spread of invasive non-native species.

"The Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy will be an important tool, guiding our efforts and ensuring that we work collaboratively to create an action plan for the council, our communities, and everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Cumbria," Archibald said.

Cumbria is one of 48 designated strategy areas in England developing their own LNRS.

Once finalised and submitted to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the strategy will be a guiding document to be reviewed every 3 to 10 years to ensure it is still effective.