Bedfordshire councils launch public consultation on Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Tuesday, 1 July 2025
Bedfordshire’s historic landscapes and diverse habitats and species are to benefit from a new, locally-led plan to help reverse a decline in nature and support wildlife recovery across the county.
We're working with Bedford Borough Council and Luton Borough Council to develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which identifies areas of opportunity to carry out nature recovery actions, and your voice is essential in shaping it.
A consultation inviting Bedfordshire residents to comment on the LNRS opened on Tuesday, 1 July, and runs until Sunday, 7 September, 2025.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:
Being surrounded by thriving, nature-rich landscapes is often what draws people to live in Bedfordshire – it is so important for our health and wellbeing. This plan is an essential step towards restoring habitat and diverse ecosystems across the county by mapping out areas for nature restoration. We need everyone’s input to make it work, whether you are a farmer, a resident, or a business owner, your perspective matters.
Councillor Andrea Spice - Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity at Bedford Borough Council, added:
This strategy is a direct call to action for us all to protect, restore and connect these vital habitats, not just for wildlife, but for the health, well-being and future resilience of our communities. Working together, we can ensure that nature in Bedfordshire not only survives but thrives in globally and locally challenging times for the natural world.
Councillor Javed Hussain, Deputy Leader of Luton Borough Council, added:
Bedfordshire and Luton’s natural environment is one of its greatest strengths. It provides natural resources that are important for health and wellbeing, helps build strong communities, and supports the local economy. However, the environment is facing more pressure as the climate warms. Bedfordshire is in the middle of a biodiversity and climate crisis, and these two issues are closely connected.
Nature is essential for tackling climate change and improving health, so there is a need to focus on restoring and protecting nature. Action must be taken quickly and in new ways if nature is to remain part of life.
The LNRS outlines a long-term vision for a county where nature thrives, is connected, and remains resilient. It will inform decisions regarding land use, development, farming, and investment to guide actions across these areas that contribute meaningfully to nature recovery.