Biodiversity: Surrey Heath

Surrey County Council is the responsible authority for preparing the Surrey Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which will agree priorities for nature recovery in the area and identify and map the best locations for action to be taken to benefit nature and the wider environment.

The Surrey LNRS has recently completed public consultation and is now preparing to be published.

Defra is supporting community-led biodiversity initiatives in the Surrey Heath constituency primarily through the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), led by Surrey County Council. Backed by over £250,000 in Defra funding, the LNRS provides a locally tailored framework to identify and prioritise actions for nature recovery, habitat restoration, and species protection.

The strategy is being co-developed with input from local communities, landowners, and stakeholders, ensuring that it reflects the unique environmental and social context of Surrey Heath. Defra's Arm's Length Bodies, including Natural England, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission, are actively involved in shaping the LNRS, contributing expertise and aligning national priorities with local delivery. This collaborative approach empowers local action and ensures that biodiversity initiatives are grounded in shared evidence and ambition.