- Strategy sets out a plan to reverse decades of wildlife
decline
- City Region has lost 5% of habitats since the 1980s
- 36 priority species of plants and animals locally extinct
since 1970
- Maps opportunities to create, enhance and restore
habitats
- Creates habitat map and new hub with
resources and guidance
Mayor has officially launched the
Liverpool City Region's first Local Nature Recovery Strategy
(LNRS).
The strategy sets out a plan to reverse decades of wildlife
decline and improve access to green spaces, putting greener,
healthier neighbourhoods at the heart of communities.
Shaped by environmental organisations, local authorities,
businesses, community groups and residents, the LNRS sets out 36
priorities for recovery around vulnerable local habitats
and species.
From wetlands to grasslands, woodlands to farmland and urban
areas, it maps out for the first time the
key areas and local wildlife most in
need of help.
It highlights where investment will have the greatest
benefit for nature and people and provides advice
and resources to help shape potential projects,
with a comprehensive Nature Resources Hub set
to launch soon.
Representatives from the Forestry Commission, Natural England and
the Environment Agency joined local council officers,
environmental groups, utilities, housing associations, community
groups and the public for the launch event at the Museum of
Liverpool this week.
, Mayor of the Liverpool City
Region, said:
“We're already taking bold action to protect and restore our
natural environment - from our commitment to reach net zero by
2035, to our ambition for a discharge-free River Mersey by 2030,
and planting a thousand new trees to create greener, healthier
communities. But we know we must go further. The Local Nature
Recovery Strategy is our roadmap for the future - a clear,
collective plan to bring nature back into the heart of everyday
life.
“This is about showing that a modern city region like ours can
lead the way: cutting emissions, restoring habitats, improving
air quality, and creating places where both people and wildlife
can thrive. Because nature shouldn't be something distant or
occasional - it should be part of
our everyday lives."
The UK is one of the most nature‑depleted countries in the world,
and the Liverpool City Region reflects this national trend.
The region contains four internationally recognised
wetlands, five European Special Protection Areas, three National
Nature Reserves, 18 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 384
Local Wildlife Sites and 29 Local Nature Reserves.
Established under the Environment Act 2021, Local Nature
Recovery Strategies are statutory, locally led plans that set out
priorities and opportunities for restoring nature.
Two public surveys on a draft LNRS in 2023
and 2025 found strong support for nature recovery,
with 85% of responses citing mental and physical wellbeing as key
benefits of access to nature.
The final strategy was approved at the Combined
Authority meeting on 6 March 2026 and marks a crucial first
step in reversing nature loss and supporting wider benefits such
as health and wellbeing, climate resilience, and sustainable
growth.
The Combined Authority and its partners are now working
collectively to scale up action across the Liverpool City Region.
Lucy Abram, Natural England Deputy Director for the
Cheshire to Lancashire Area Team, said:
"Natural England is delighted to support Liverpool City Region's
Local Nature Recovery Strategy. It is a vital tool in our mission
to halt and reverse the decline of nature. The work in Liverpool
is an excellent example of how local communities, land managers
and conservation organisations can come together to protect and
restore habitats and species that make our natural environment so
special.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Liverpool City
Region Combined Authority and other partners to turn this
strategy into real action, creating bigger, better and more
connected habitats where wildlife, natural heritage and people
can thrive for generations to come."
