The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), for Hull and East Riding, was launched at a conference held at Hull Guildhall on Friday 6 March.
Almost half (45%) of the land in the Hull and East Yorkshire Region has had measures mapped onto it, intended as a guide to the most impactful places to focus nature recovery efforts to benefit nature and communities.
Its purpose is to inform land managers on how nature recovery can be a viable alternative to other land uses. It will create improved opportunities to finance nature recovery, through funding streams such as Biodiversity Net Gain.
Involvement in the LNRS is entirely voluntary. The strategy aims to bring together people across the region to secure a bright future for the people of the region, founded on thriving natural systems.
The conference involved participants from the public, private and third sectors alongside interested residents from Hull and East Riding.
David Renwick, Regional Director North for Natural England, provided the keynote address, emphasising the need for ambition and broad collaboration across sectors.
The launch event was the culmination of a three-year consultation process, including hundreds of residents and stakeholders’ views from across the region.
The nature recovery process is open to all residents, particularly those with influence over the management of any land that falls within the mapped network.
Councillor Charles Quinn, Hull City Council portfolio holder for environment said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of Yorkshire’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy (HEY LNRS). However, this is just the start. We now need to continue our partnership working to deliver a meaningful, lasting change for nature.”
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for environment and transport said: “Nature is at the heart of our communities, and we’re dedicated to safeguarding our local environments with this strategy.”
More information about the strategy, and getting involved, can be found at heylnp.co.uk/lnrs or by emailing heylnp@eastriding.gov.uk