This year will see the publication of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS for short), an important resource for all those working to make improvements for nature

Local Nature Recovery Strategies are a statutory requirement for principal authorities and are taking place right across England. This new approach was launched by Defra in June 2023, to set priorities for nature at a local level.

A team of experts, led by Devon County Council’s Environment Team, are currently bringing together all the data on Devon’s habitats and species to create a map of important wildlife areas and action priority areas. The LNRS will support communities in their actions to protect and enhance Devon’s land and marine environments, and the benefits we gain from them, such as health, access and learning.

Information in the Strategy will be tailored so that it is relevant and accessible to different users including communities, who will be able to use this information to learn about the important habitats and species in their area, and to make decisions about what to focus on, in their efforts to support nature.

The Communities Leads for the Devon LNRS, Jo Pullin and Bridie Kennerley are looking for interested people to join a small focus group which will be a key part of developing the communities section of the Strategy. Email jo.devonnature@gmail.com or bridie.devonnature@gmail.com if you would like to be part of this focus group.

Find out more about the LNRS, watch the introduction video, and follow developments here.

Connect Event: Supporting nature recovery through the management of amenity green spaces

Our last Connect Event, held in early December, focused on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and how communities can support nature recovery through the management of amenity green spaces. This was an excellent event, very well attended and with great feedback. We were delighted to welcome Damian, Bridie and Jo, who introduced the concept of LNRS and what is trying to be achieved. Participants then engaged in breakout sessions to explore what greenspaces they managed, how they managed them, and what opportunities there were for delivering greater nature benefits in future and opportunities for collaboration.

Wild About Devon – Communities Forum

This FREE event in February is a collaboration between Devon Wildlife Trust, Wild About Devon and CAG Devon. Join them for a day of inspiration in Okehampton to:

• hear about the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy
• take part in thought-provoking discussions to ignite change
• find out how we can help you take action for wildlife
• meet Devon Wildlife Trust’s first ‘Wilder Community’ Group who will share their journey
• learn about the support available for community groups
• develop your ideas and hear from the Bradninch Group who are striving for biodiversity and resilience

Refreshments will provided, although attendees will need to bring their own lunch.

Saturday 3 February, The Ockment Centre, Okehampton, 10am – 4pm. Free.

Register here for your place.