May 2024
Mapping for the LNRS is now well underway and we are pleased to announce that land managers can now register their land though our site identification survey to be included in the LNRS. This will provide land managers with opportunities to attract multiple kinds of investment and funding through land enhancement. The partnership is excited to see where opportunities are for land enhancement that can support wildflower meadows, tree planting, river and wetland restoration and much more to create greener spaces for Hertfordshire. We are working closely with District and Borough councils to deliver local, in person events very soon, where you can hear more about what we’ve been doing and share your views on nature recovery. In the meantime, why not check out the survey in the ‘get involved’ section of this webpage and see how you can help.
April 2024
In February, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy mapping and priorities task and finish groups were formed. These groups have made significant progress in the last few months.
The priorities task and finish group has been working and engaging with county recorders to generate our priorities species list. This has also inspired thinking for our iconic species public survey going out in May.
The mapping task and finish group has completed mapping for the areas of particular importance for biodiversity. We'll be running a public site identification survey in May. The mapping group will use the survey results once available.
February 2024
We're excited to announce that the engagement, priorities and mapping task and finish groups for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy have now been formed. We'll be having our first meetings with these groups over the next few weeks.
The groups will be working with a wide range of organisations over the coming months and we look forward to seeing how all their individual expertise will help in shaping the Hertfordshire LNRS. Members from the Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership Steering Group and Board have also agreed on a timeline which will be invaluable in ensuring the creation of the LNRS runs smoothly. This will be made available shortly, watch this space.
Landowners and land managers' event
On Thursday 22 February, Peter Mitchell (on behalf the Rural Land Management Advisory Group) hosted an event for landowners and land managers from across Hertfordshire to discuss how we can shape the county’s landscapes alongside the LNRS, funding for landscape recovery, using innovation and data within the agricultural business and natural capital markets.
The event also tied in how all of these can help in achieving carbon reduction and biodiversity enhancement. The event saw a large number of attendees who were well engaged throughout and expressed interest in a follow up event to take place in the next few months.
January 2024
On 31 January, Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) held its second land management forum to engage with those who own, manage, or farm land in Hertfordshire. The aims were to provide information and support on important topics like mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) and the local nature recovery strategy (LNRS).
Speakers from organisations such as HCC, the Nature Friendly Farming Network, Natural England, and Gascoyne Estates covered subjects like Nature Friendly Farming, grants for farmers, the LNRS, and BNG for landowners. The council plans to organise more forums to continue supporting engagement with landowners and managers.
Gascoyne Estates will host a meeting on 22 February for private landowners and land managers, offering an opportunity to collaborate on shaping Hertfordshire's landscapes.
October 2023
The HNRP steering group had its first meeting on 11 October. The group discussed opportunities and challenges for the LNRS, identified potential stakeholders, and agreed to meet regularly to keep the project moving forward.
Currently, the steering group is working on an engagement plan and timeline, which will be finalised by January 2024. They are also gathering data for the LNRS mapping.
The HNRP Board will have its first meeting in November.
June 2023
Hertfordshire County Council has been appointed by Defra Secretary of State as the Responsible Authority for the Hertfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). A Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership (HNRP) is being formed to create the county’s first LNRS by 2025.