Local Nature Recovery Strategy
West Sussex Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The West Sussex Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) was published on the 24 June 2026 by West Sussex County Council. It is one of 48 published across England as a new approach to reverse the decline in biodiversity. Horsham District Council had a formal stakeholder role and the work of the Wilder Horsham District Partnership made a valuable contribution to the final LNRS.
The LNRS identifies opportunities for the protection and enhancement of nature. It relates to habitats rather than species.
Whilst the LNRS does not impose any new planning restrictions, nor directly stop development, Planning authorities must have regard to the LNRS to help ensure that its nature recovery opportunities, priorities and measures are considered when determining planning proposals. It is therefore our expectation that site promoters consider opportunities for nature recovery as part of their schemes in accordance with the evidence base that this documentation provides.
The following provides information on what the LNRS can and can’t do about the pressures on nature:
| It is a key tool to help mitigate impacts by | It does not have any enforcement powers to directly tackle pressures, it can’t / doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Targeting action for nature where it will have most impact, including directing new habitat creation from Biodiversity Net Gain | It can’t directly stop development |
Being an evidence base that Local Planning Authorities must “give regard to / take account of” when considering planning applications and producing things like Local Plans so that nature’s recovery is properly considered alongside other land-use needs | It doesn’t legally create new protected areas for nature |
| Helping farmers and landowners decide which environmental actions are most appropriate for their land and help align them to schemes and funding opportunities | It can’t dictate how land will be used or force landowners to act |
| Identifying best places for nature-based solutions that help improve the quality of our air and water, reduce flooding, support farming and make our habitats more resilient to change | It can’t directly address the sources of pollution. These are covered by other areas of the law or national policy |
| Providing a single set of priorities and actions for everyone to rally behind, seek funding for, and work together to deliver on the ground |
To explore the LNRS documents and interactive Local Habitat Map visit the Sussex Nature Recovery website.