Communities across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are being invited to help shape a new strategy for nature — by exploring and commenting on a new interactive map and strategy before the deadline of 15 October 2025.
Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are working in partnership to develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy to ensure a joined-up approach to nature recovery across the area.
Lynn Parker, Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) Co-ordinator, Shropshire Council (left) with Shropshire Farmer, Trevor Wheeler (right).
The draft Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) has been published and the consultation focuses on two key resources:
- A strategy document outlining county-wide priorities for nature recovery.
- An interactive map showing where nature is thriving and where targeted action could deliver the greatest benefits for wildlife, water, soil and climate resilience.
Residents, landowners, community groups, environmental organisations and businesses are encouraged to explore the proposals and contribute their local insight.
Councillor David Walker, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for natural and historic environment, said:
“The plan covers Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin — and we want it to reflect the voices and priorities of local people.
“Whether you’re managing land, running a business, volunteering in your local green space or walking your dog — nature matters to us all. It’s an exciting opportunity to help support the natural and built landscape around us by connecting habitats and making the most of green spaces to encourage nature recovery. We would encourage everybody to view the map and feedback their views on this important strategy.”
The LNRS will help to inform how and where public and private funds are directed to restore and connect nature-rich areas in the future. It will also help guide decision-making around land use, biodiversity, and natural flood management.
The strategy is being developed in partnership with farmers, landowners, conservation groups and residents. While the councils are particularly keen that land managers to check how their land is represented on the map, everyone is encouraged to take part in the consultation.
Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, planning, and sustainability, said:
“We know our residents care about protecting nature on their doorstep. Whether it’s a park, Local Nature Reserve or small area of grassland, the natural environment is all around us and provides opportunities for encouraging wildlife. The LNRS aims to identify areas where we can create, restore or enhance habitats.
“It will form part of the Telford & Wrekin Local Plan ensuring that environmental considerations are a top priority as we deliver our vision for the borough over the next two decades.
“We have already committed to protecting more than 300 green spaces through our Green Guarantee along with Local Nature Reserves and our proactive tree and woodland management resulted in us being named a Tree City of the World by the United Nations for a third year running.
“The LNRS complements our ongoing environmental work to create better connected green spaces. We are urging residents to give their feedback on it, so we know where best to focus our resources.”
Once the consultation closes on 15 October 2025, the final strategy will be produced — shaping how future nature investment is prioritised across the county.
How to take part
- Visit the map and draft strategy: www.shropshire.gov.uk/lnrs
- Share your feedback before 15 October 2025
- Email [email protected] with questions or to provide additional information
Further information
The LNRS Steering Group is formed of representatives from Shropshire Council (the Responsible Authority), Telford and Wrekin Council (Supporting Authority), Natural England (Supporting Authority), Country Land and Business Association, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, National Farmers Union, Shropshire Hills National Landscape, and Shropshire Wildlife Trust.
Developed through collaboration
The LNRS for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin is the culmination of an extensive and collaborative effort that has involved a wide range of stakeholders through partnerships, surveys and workshops. From local authorities, environmental organisations and community groups to landowners, farmers and technical experts, each has contributed valuable data, insights and practical knowledge.
This collective input has shaped a strategy that reflects both the ecological priorities and the lived realities of the county, helping to make sure the LNRS is grounded in local context, inclusive in its approach and ambitious in its vision for nature recovery.
About the LNRS Programme – national context
- Introduced under the Environment Act 2021, LNRSs are a legal requirement for all areas of England and form a key part of the government’s strategy to restore nature.
- 48 Local Nature Recovery Strategies are being developed across England — one for each county or metropolitan area — with no gaps or overlaps.
- The programme aims to create a joined-up Nature Recovery Network, connecting habitats and green spaces across the country to support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Each LNRS will:
- Map areas that are currently important for nature
- Identify areas where nature could be restored or improved
- Set locally agreed priorities and actions for nature recovery
- The strategies are intended to support multiple benefits, including:
- Climate resilience
- Improved water and soil quality
- Flood mitigation
- Public health and access to nature
- LNRSs will guide local decisions but also stitch together into a national plan to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030, aligning with UK and international biodiversity goals.
For more information and images: [email protected]
