Devon County Council launched a county-wide call for residents, farmers, landowners, and businesses to have their say on a major new plan to restore the county’s wildlife and natural habitats.
The draft Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), developed in partnership with Plymouth, Torbay, and a wide network of environmental and community organisations, sets out a bold, collaborative vision to help nature thrive once again across Devon.
However, the public consultation time is nearly over, with the chance to have your say open until Wednesday 5 November 2025, and people are being encouraged to take part by visiting partners.devon.gov.uk/lnrs.
“Devon’s nature is amazing. We can’t live without it. Nature gives us food, cleans our water and brings us joy, but nature is in crisis. We need to act now!”
The LNRS is a new statutory plan required under the Environment Act 2021, which set out a national framework for restoring biodiversity and tackling environmental decline. Every county in England must produce a local strategy, making Devon’s plan part of a nationwide effort to reverse biodiversity loss.
A shared plan for Devon’s future
The Devon LNRS brings together data, expert insight, and community knowledge to identify the most important places for nature recovery and outline the actions needed to protect and enhance them.
It includes:
A detailed description of Devon’s wildlife and natural assets
An assessment of pressures and opportunities for recovery
A set of county-wide priorities for restoring habitats and species
A framework of actions and partnerships to achieve those goals
While the strategy itself is voluntary, it will play a key role in guiding funding, land management, and planning decisions across Devon.
Officials say it offers a single vision for nature recovery, helping public bodies, conservation groups, landowners, and communities make more coordinated decisions - whether in rural landscapes, coastal areas, or urban green spaces.
Why this matters
Devon’s landscapes are world-renowned for their diversity, from Dartmoor and Exmoor’s uplands to the coastal estuaries of the Exe and the Taw–Torridge, but decades of habitat loss, pollution, and climate pressures have taken their toll.
According to Devon Local Nature Partnership data, more than 40% of the county’s species are in decline, while some, such as the lapwing and lesser horseshoe bat, are facing local extinction without intervention.
The LNRS aims to help reverse these trends by creating wildlife corridors, restoring wetlands and woodlands, and supporting sustainable farming practices that benefit both nature and people.
Who can take part
The council is urging everyone to get involved, from farmers and developers to community groups, schools, and residents.
“Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, business, developer, agent, wildlife enthusiast, or resident — young or old — your voice matters. This is your chance to influence how we protect and restore the landscapes, habitats, and species that make Devon special.”
How to respond
People can review the draft plan and submit their views online at partners.devon.gov.uk/lnrs until Wednesday 5 November 2025. Devon County Council hopes the consultation will help ensure the final strategy reflects the needs and values of Devon’s diverse communities, uniting them in a shared goal: to secure a healthier, wilder, and more resilient natural environment for generations to come.
