Issue - meetings

The Environment Act 2021 introduces Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) as a new system of spatial strategies for nature in England. These strategies, created at a county level by responsible authorities, will map out actions needed to restore nature, working with local stakeholders. The LNRS will play a crucial role in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain and meeting national environmental targets

Dorset’s LNRS is co-produced, led by Dorset Council on our joint behalf, through working with large numbers of stakeholders. It provides a comprehensive framework for restoring nature across the whole of Dorset and has a series of maps that will help target efforts to achieve the greatest gains for nature and the wider environment.

The purpose of the report is to seek pre-publication approval of the Dorset LNRS by Cabinet, following completion of public consultation and formal engagement with Natural England. As per Defra guidance, this will allow for the lead authority Dorset Council to adopt and publish the final strategy in December 2025. 

RECOMMENDED/RESOLVED that

(a)           Cabinet gives pre-publication approval of the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy for publication in December 2025 by Dorset Council, recognising its role as LNRS lead authority;

(b)           Commits to integrating the LNRS into relevant BCP council policies and decision-making, including planning, land management, climate adaptation, and public health.

(c)           Supports ongoing monitoring and review of the strategy every 3 to 10 years, ensuring it remains evidence-based, inclusive, and responsive to environmental change.

(d)           Acknowledges the contributions of stakeholders, led by Dorset Council and including Natural England, community groups, and residents, in shaping the strategy through consultation and co-production.

Voting: Unanimous/Nem. Con. X:Y (Z abstentions)

Portfolio Holder: Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment

Reason

The reason for these recommendations is to ensure BCP Council formally supports and integrates the Local Nature Recovery Strategy as a statutory framework for reversing biodiversity decline, enhancing climate resilience, and guiding sustainable land use across the county. It also meets the DEFRA requirements as set out by the Environment Act 2021.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'J' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that the Environment Act 2021 introduced Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) as a new system of spatial strategies for nature in England, and that these strategies, created at a county level by responsible authorities, will map out actions needed to restore nature, working with local stakeholders.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that the LNRS will play a crucial role in delivering Biodiversity Net Gain and meeting national environmental targets, and that Dorset’s LNRS is co-produced, led by Dorset Council on our joint behalf, through working with large numbers of stakeholders. Further to this Cabinet was advised that it provides a comprehensive framework for restoring nature across the whole of Dorset and has a series of maps that will help target efforts to achieve the greatest gains for nature and the wider environment.

Cabinet was further advised that the purpose of the report was to seek pre-publication approval of the Dorset LNRS by Cabinet, following completion of public consultation and formal engagement with Natural England, and that as per Defra guidance, this will allow for the lead authority Dorset Council to adopt and publish the final strategy in December 2025. 

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Cabinet gives pre-publication approval of the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy for publication in December 2025 by Dorset Council, recognising its role as LNRS lead authority;

(b)           Commits to integrating the LNRS into relevant BCP council policies and decision-making, including planning, land management, climate adaptation, and public health.

(c)           Supports ongoing monitoring and review of the strategy every 3 to 10 years, ensuring it remains evidence-based, inclusive, and responsive to environmental change.

(d)           Acknowledges the contributions of stakeholders, led by Dorset Council and including Natural England, community groups, and residents, in shaping the strategy through consultation and co-production.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Mitigation, Energy and Environment

Reason

The reason for these recommendations is to ensure BCP Council formally supports and integrates the Local Nature Recovery Strategy as a statutory framework for reversing biodiversity decline, enhancing climate resilience, and guiding sustainable land use across the county. It also meets the DEFRA requirements as set out by the Environment Act 2021.