Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Nature is facing serious challenges. Many habitats have been lost or damaged over time, and some wildlife species are in decline. The LNRS sets out how we can work together to restore nature, protect wildlife, and create healthier landscapes for future generations.

Why we need a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) in Staffordshire

Nature is under pressure locally and around the world. In England, one in six species is at risk of extinction. Many natural habitats in Staffordshire have been damaged or lost over time. Wetlands have been drained, heathland has shrunk, rivers have been changed, and some towns were built without much green space. In some areas, ancient woodland has also been replaced with plantation forests. 

Due to these changes, some of Staffordshire's rare habitats and species are still declining. 

What will the LNRS do to reverse this trend?

It focuses on: 

• Protecting existing wildlife areas
• Creating new habitats
• Improving and connecting existing habitats. 

Linked habitats help animals and plants move around the landscape, which becomes even more important as the climate changes.  

Nature is valuable in its own right, but it also supports people’s lives. Healthy natural systems provide clean air and water, food, protection from floods, and places to relax. Access to nature can improve people’s mental and physical health. 

The vision for the LNRS is that Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will become a place where nature thrives and habitats are well connected. 

Wildlife will be more resilient to environmental change. People, businesses, farmers and communities will work together to support nature. A healthy natural environment will improve people’s quality of life and boost the local economy. 

Strategic Priorities 

The strategy identifies several key priorities: 

1. Improve and connect habitats 
Make habitats bigger, healthier and more linked so wildlife can move around more easily. 

2. Protect and increase species 
Take action to support threatened plants and animals. 

3. Restore natural processes 
Support natural systems such as rivers and soils so landscapes can cope better with environmental change. 

4. Reduce threats to wildlife 
Tackle problems such as pollution, invasive species, disease and disturbance. 

5. Support nature-friendly farming 
Encourage farming methods that protect biodiversity while producing food. 

6. Help people connect with nature 
Improve access to green spaces and make sure new developments include wildlife and nature. 

7. Improve monitoring and evidence 
Collect better data about wildlife so progress can be tracked. 

A Map for Nature’s Recovery 

The strategy is supported by an interactive map that shows where nature recovery work could have the biggest impact. 

The map highlights: 

• Areas already important for biodiversity (APIB) – places that already support important wildlife.
• Areas that could become important (ACB) – places where new habitats or improvements could help nature recover. 

The map is not legally binding. Landowners are not forced to make changes. Instead, it helps people understand where actions could bring the greatest benefits.

Who is the strategy for? 

Nature recovery needs support from many groups. The strategy provides guidance for: 

• Farmers and landowners - They manage most of the land in Staffordshire, so they are key to nature recovery. The strategy helps them find funding and plan habitat improvements.
• Developers - They can use the strategy to include nature in new projects and deliver Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
• Businesses - They can invest in green spaces, support local nature projects and improve their workplaces.
• Communities and residents 
  Local people can help by volunteering, recording wildlife, improving gardens and green spaces, and supporting local projects.
• Local councils and planners 
  Councils can use the strategy to guide planning decisions, protect biodiversity and manage public land.
• Schools and health organisations 
  Schools, hospitals and care homes can create nature-rich spaces that support learning, recovery and wellbeing. 

Delivering the Strategy 

The strategy will be delivered through partnerships between local government, environmental organisations, farmers, businesses and communities. 

Funding may come from government schemes, private investment and biodiversity net gain from development. 

The Staffordshire and Stoke Nature Recovery Partnership will coordinate work and track progress. Success will depend on many people working together to restore nature across the county. 

Staffordshire’s Natural Environment 

Staffordshire has a diverse landscape that includes: 

• Part of the Peak District National Park
• Cannock Chase National Landscape
• Part of the National Forest
• Rivers, wetlands, moorland, woodland and farmland. 

The county supports many important habitats such as: 

• Grasslands
• Woodlands
• Heathlands
• Moorlands
• Rivers and wetlands
• Post-industrial wildlife habitats 

There are also internationally important wildlife sites, including wetlands formed after the last Ice Age. But many habitats are under pressure from pollution, development, climate change and changes in farming. 

Wildlife in Staffordshire 

The county supports many important species, including: 

• Nightjar
• Woodlark
• White-clawed crayfish
• Willow tit
• Rare insects such as Tormentil mining bee and plants including heath spotted orchid. 

Some species are declining, while others are expanding their range because of climate change. For example, the county may play an important role in the spread of the barbastelle bat. 

Recent wildlife reintroductions, such as beavers, can help improve habitats and reduce flooding.