(1)A local nature recovery strategy relating to an area (“the strategy area”) is to include—
(a)a statement of biodiversity priorities for the strategy area, and
(b)a local habitat map for the whole strategy area or two or more local habitat maps which together cover the whole strategy area.
(2)The statement of biodiversity priorities referred to in subsection (1)(a) is to include—
(a)a description of the strategy area and its biodiversity,
(b)a description of the opportunities for recovering or enhancing biodiversity, in terms of habitats and species, in the strategy area,
(c)the priorities, in terms of habitats and species, for recovering or enhancing biodiversity (taking into account the contribution that recovering or enhancing biodiversity can also make to other environmental benefits), and
(d)proposals as to potential measures relating to those priorities.
(3)A local habitat map referred to in subsection (1)(b) is a map identifying—
(a)national conservation sites in the strategy area,
(b)any nature reserves in the strategy area provided under section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, and
(c)other areas in the strategy area which in the opinion of the responsible authority—
(i)are, or could become, of particular importance for biodiversity, or
(ii)are areas where the recovery or enhancement of biodiversity could make a particular contribution to other environmental benefits.
(4)A local habitat map which does not relate to the whole of the strategy area must relate to the area of one or more local authorities within the strategy area.
(5)The Secretary of State may issue guidance as to—
(a)information to be included in a local nature recovery strategy pursuant to the requirements in subsections (1) to (3), and
(b)any other matters to be included in a local nature recovery strategy.
(6)A responsible authority must have regard to the guidance when preparing a local nature recovery strategy.
(7)The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament, and publish, the guidance.
Commencement Information
I1S. 106 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 147(3)
I2S. 106 in force at 24.1.2022 by S.I. 2022/48, reg. 2(n)