A major boost for nature across our county has arrived with the publication of Hertfordshire's first Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) — a county-wide blueprint setting out how we'll protect and restore wildlife, habitats and green spaces for people and nature to thrive together.

Developed over two years by the Hertfordshire Nature Recovery Partnership (HNRP) — led by Hertfordshire County Council and involving community groups, land managers and conservation organisations — the strategy identifies key areas for habitat restoration, species support and nature-friendly investment.

📣 Record-Breaking Local Engagement

Hertfordshire residents responded in force during the consultation phase, with 751 survey responses, making this the highest level of public engagement of any LNRS in England. Over 70 sites were put forward by landowners for potential inclusion in the strategy — a strong signal of local interest in boosting biodiversity county-wide.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Growth, Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, welcomed the community response, saying the strategy "is a roadmap for a greener, healthier Hertfordshire" and thanked residents and partners for their collaboration.

🐾 What the Strategy Focuses On

The new LNRS prioritises action for habitats and species vital to Hertfordshire's natural heritage, including:

• Chalk streams and rivers, an internationally rare habitat
• Species such as swifts and water voles
• Chalk grasslands and other native ecosystems
• These priorities will help shape funding, planning and on-the-ground nature projects in the years ahead.

🌱 From Farms to Back Gardens

The strategy's creators emphasise that everyone can play a part in nature's recovery — whether that's landowners enhancing large landscapes or residents supporting wildlife in their gardens. With 70 % of Hertfordshire in private ownership, working with farmers and rural land managers is central to success.

Laura Burrows, Chief Executive of the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said the publication marks "a significant moment" for communities and wildlife — providing a shared vision to build a "greener, healthier and more resilient Hertfordshire".

📆 What's Next for Nature in Herts

To share next steps and bring the strategy to life, the HNRP will host a county-wide Nature Summit in January. This event aims to dive deeper into delivery plans and explore opportunities for partnership action.

Whether you're walking your dog along the local chalk streams, watching swifts zoom over Hitchin town centre in summer, or simply enjoying your garden's buzzing wildlife, this new strategy aims to make Hertfordshire a richer, wilder place for future generations