Local Nature Recovery Strategy
A Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is being prepared for Shropshire, one of 48 covering the whole of England. Collectively, the 48 LNRSs aim to deliver the Government’s legally binding targets to:
- Halt the decline in species abundance by the end of 2030
- Increase species abundance by the end of 2042 so it is greater than in 2022 and at least 10% greater than in 2030
- Reduce the risk of species’ extinction by 2042, when compared to the risk of species’ extinction in 2022
For more information, see the LNRS Official website https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/environment/ecology-and-biodiversity/shropshire-and-telford-wrekin-local-nature-recovery-strategy/
The Shropshire LNRS Steering Group, chaired by Dave Cragg of Natural England, and co-ordinated by Lynn Parker of Shropshire Council, and including representatives of seven other organisations, has now published a draft strategy, which identifies where action for nature can provide the greatest benefit for biodiversity and the wider environment. It has two main parts: a local habitat map, which points to suggested actions in these locations, and a written strategy that sets out in full the county’s local priorities for habitat and species recovery. The map and draft document are now open to public consultation, and anyone interested or invested in nature recovery are invited to let the Steering Group know their views on the strategy by midnight on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
For further information, see the LNRS website https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/environment/shropshire-and-telford-wrekin-local-nature-recovery-strategy/
Over the last year, and prior to publication of the draft, a paper recommending the Bird Species Long List, and candidates for the Short List, along with groups of species (“assemblages”) which can be helped with the same actions, was sent out to local bird and community wildlife groups. It has also been considered by SOS Conservation Sub-committee. The paper has been revised in the light of comments received, and the final version, submitted to the LNRS Steering Group, can be accessed here.
Research from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) shows that the UK was home to 73 million fewer birds in 2023 than it was in 1970. This staggering number – a decline of almost a third – is almost impossible to comprehend, but it indicates the scale of the challenge for LNRSs.
Recommendations are based mainly on the Red and Amber Lists of Breeding Birds of Conservation Concern in Shropshire. Many of the threatened species on the SOS Red and Amber Lists have been fitted into habitat “assemblages”, where habitat improvements are intended to benefit the species sufficiently to ensure recovery. However, several species need specific programmes of conservation, over and above habitat improvements, because they will not benefit sufficiently from generalised improvements to habitats. The draft LNRS identifies 25 individually named species and nine species assemblages that need specific actions or groups of actions beyond those identified under the habitat-based priorities.
Most of the priority bird species are included in the draft list of 25 species in the LNRS, as follows:-
- Curlew
- Dipper
- Nightjar
- Pied Flycatcher
- Red Grouse
- Swift
- Wheatear
- Willow Tit
Lesser black-backed gull, a relatively recent breeding species, has also been included because of the need to protect the large winter roost site at Ellesmere from disturbance.
Three other species, recommended for short-listing, have been included in assemblages for their various habitats, along with other priority species:
- Snipe
- Tree Pipit
- Whinchat
Individual members of SOS can comment on the draft Shropshire LNRS through the LNRS website (address above). The draft will be considered by SOS Conservation Sub-committee on 9 October, and comments on behalf of the Society will be submitted after that date.
If you’ve any comments after reading this article, and what is on the SOS website, please email them to leo@leosmith.org.uk
Earlier versions of the paper can be found in the LNRS Archive here.
Page updated: 30/09/2025
