Local nature recovery toolkit

Environmental challenges are increasing, and nature is paying the price. The Local Nature Recovery Toolkit is a resource to empower residents and communities to take action for nature and its restoration. 

It is a collaborative effort between the Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset. 

The toolkit is a valuable resource. It was designed to help communities at any stage, whether you're a 

• concerned resident 
• farmer 
• conservationist 
• or policymaker 

It will support your efforts to restore and protect the precious natural habitats in your local area and beyond. 

What does it do

The Toolkit sets local priorities for nature recovery. It also maps ‘focus areas’ where action to help nature will have the biggest impact.  

It also has an important role in acting as the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for North Somerset.  

The government has made legally-binding commitments to end the steep decline of natural habitats and ecosystems and to plan for nature to recover. This is important, not only for nature’s own sake, but for all the things that we rely on nature for, like clean water and food production. 

Each Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will agree priorities for nature recovery and propose actions in locations where they would best help achieve those priorities.

 The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs appointed 48 responsible authorities to lead on preparing an LNRS for their area. Together these 48 strategy areas cover the whole of England with no gaps or overlaps. 

These LNRSs will inform the delivery of ‘nature-based solutions’ for outcomes such as flood management, carbon sequestration and improvements in water quality. It will also be vital in informing how the public funding for nature recovery is used. 

For more information on the role of LNRSs, please refer to the GOV.UK website. 

Statement of Biodiversity Priorities

A ‘Statement of Biodiversity Priorities’ is included in the toolkit. This supplements the information contained in the Interactive Map. 

The Statement of Biodiversity Priorities consists of 

• a description of the state of nature locally
• the priorities and potential measures for nature recovery
• a table of priority species. 

These can all be downloaded using the ‘Statement of Biodiversity Priorities’ link provided in the information box below.

Through this link you can also find some information on how the priorities and measures were developed, and some appendices with further information on the state of nature. 

Interactive map

The interactive map will show you how you can help nature in your local area. It provides a bird's-eye view of ‘focus areas’ for nature recovery and explains any local priorities. Explore the map to discover what you can do to help nature near you. 

When selecting an area of interest, information regarding that area will be shown. You can continue through to

• all the priorities identified for that area
• the associated delivery measures
• priority species. 

You will then be able to comment on this information. You can repeat this process for as many areas you would like. 

A text-based tool to review this information is also available.

Fill out the consultation survey

The toolkit also includes a consultation survey where you can provide your input. Your input is crucial to our understanding. We want to know if the mapped focus areas and local priorities reflect the best opportunities for nature recovery in your area. 

You can share your thoughts on 

• local biodiversity
• priorities
• measures 
• potential focus areas for nature recovery. 

By giving your feedback, you can help identify the best opportunities for nature recovery and help local wildlife flourish.

Together, we can make a positive impact and protect our climate for the future.

More information

You can also access the following information on the dedicated consultation website

• upcoming events
• frequently asked questions
• how to sign up for notifications or contact the team