URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2701

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To inform the Executive of Fareham Borough Council’s statutory duty, as a Supporting Authority, to support the County Council’s publication of the Hampshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy by endorsing the final version of the strategy.   Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are a new system of plans for nature recovery.  Their role is to provide county-wide, practical solutions for nature recovery.  They are a key mechanism for planning and delivering the National Nature Recovery Network.  The Nature Recovery Network is a growing national network of wildlife-rich places.  It is supported by green and blue spaces that buffer and connect these wildlife-rich sites.   The LNRS for Hampshire has been prepared by the County Council and has been informed by public and stakeholder engagement at the outset of the project, and the results of the public consultation that was undertaken between 12 May and 23 June 2025.   The aim of the strategy is too identify locations to create, restore and enhance habitats, providing the best opportunities to deliver nature’s recovery.  This is determined based on the connectivity of existing habitats and where there are opportunities to improve this further.  The strategy will help to target future effort and funding.  It also provides a range of options and evidence to inform decisions in the form of recommendations for delivery.  The LNRS does not dictate how land is used or limit the choices land managers have on their land.   Hampshire County Council is seeking Pre-publication approval with supporting authorities.  This process will run for a 28-day consultation period (ends 29 October 2025).  If no objections are raised by any supporting authority, the County Council will formally approve and publish the strategy at its Cabinet meeting on 11 November 2025.   Officers have no objections to the strategy and so the report seeks endorsement of the strategy from the Executive on behalf of Fareham Borough Council.

Content: To inform the Executive of Fareham Borough Council’s statutory duty, as a Supporting Authority, to support the County Council’s publication of the Hampshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy by endorsing the final version of the strategy.   Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are a new system of plans for nature recovery.  Their role is to provide county-wide, practical solutions for nature recovery.  They are a key mechanism for planning and delivering the National Nature Recovery Network.  The Nature Recovery Network is a growing national network of wildlife-rich places.  It is supported by green and blue spaces that buffer and connect these wildlife-rich sites.   The LNRS for Hampshire has been prepared by the County Council and has been informed by public and stakeholder engagement at the outset of the project, and the results of the public consultation that was undertaken between 12 May and 23 June 2025.   The aim of the strategy is too identify locations to create, restore and enhance habitats, providing the best opportunities to deliver nature’s recovery.  This is determined based on the connectivity of existing habitats and where there are opportunities to improve this further.  The strategy will help to target future effort and funding.  It also provides a range of options and evidence to inform decisions in the form of recommendations for delivery.  The LNRS does not dictate how land is used or limit the choices land managers have on their land.   Hampshire County Council is seeking Pre-publication approval with supporting authorities.  This process will run for a 28-day consultation period (ends 29 October 2025).  If no objections are raised by any supporting authority, the County Council will formally approve and publish the strategy at its Cabinet meeting on 11 November 2025.   Officers have no objections to the strategy and so the report seeks endorsement of the strategy from the Executive on behalf of Fareham Borough Council. RESOLVED that the Executive endorses the Hampshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, as attached at Appendix A to the report.

Date of Decision: October 2, 2025