Welcome to the Essex Local Nature Partnership
What is a Local Nature Partnership (LNP)?
Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) bring together local organisations, businesses and people who want to improve their local natural environment. The Local Nature Partnership Board and Essex County Council coordinate the LNP across the county. Together, with our partners, we will strengthen the impact of local action for nature recovery.
In 2018, the Government published a 25-year Environmental Plan (25YEP), a plan setting out what the government will do to improve the environment within 25 years. The LNP will be working closely on areas described in the 25YEP and Environment bill such as Biodiversity Net Gain and Nature Recovery Network.
At a time of climate emergency, the LNP will aim to steer the collaborative work of conservationists, government, business and individuals to work in partnership to protect, improve, create and connect our county’s natural landscape to deliver multiple, environment, social and economic benefits.
The LNP will be chaired by experienced conservation leader Dr Simon Lyster. Essex born, Dr Lyster has worked in wildlife conservation most of his life. Author of the textbook International Wildlife Law, Dr Lyster was Head of Conservation Policy at WWF for nearly a decade and was then Director General of the Wildlife Trusts for a further eight years.
“I am very excited about the LNP”, said Dr Lyster. “With public support for nature higher than ever, new environmental incentives for farmers coming in, and new duties on local authorities and businesses to conserve and enhance nature, the opportunities for nature recovery in Essex are better than they have ever been.”
“Essex already has some great nature sites” he continued, “but they need to be bigger, more widespread and more joined up so wildlife can thrive throughout the county, and people can have better access to nature wherever they live. This is what the LNP will seek to achieve.”
How will the LNP benefit Essex?
- In a climate and nature crisis, it is imperative that we prevent further loss of biodiversity and work towards reversing the decline
- Nature Recovery is needed in Essex, to restore habitats and wildlife
- Produce positive outcomes that integrate the needs of nature, people and the economy
- Enables a diverse range of organisations and communities to work together in partnership, to make the best use of our available resources
- Raise awareness of the value of Essex’s environment to the economy and society
For more information around the work of Essex County Council for the Environment, see here.
Targets of the Local Nature Partnership
The Government stated that Local Nature Partnerships should form in the most appropriate way for their area. After identifying the needs and priorities for Essex, the Local Nature Partnership Board agreed on the following 4 targets, to be achieved by 2030:
- 14% of Natural Green Infrastructure coverage of Essex to be increased to 25% Natural Green infrastructure coverage by 2030
- 50% of farmland in Essex to adopt Sustainable stewardship practices by 2030. This target has been adopted from the Essex Climate Action Commission.
- 1 in 4 people in Essex taking action for Nature Recovery. Target adopted from the Essex Wildlife Trust.
- Access to high quality green space for all.
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The Local Nature Partnership: Board Membership
The 14-strong board will see representatives from agriculture, development, local government, conservation organisations, community groups, health organisations and youth groups, with the county council providing initial administrative support.
Members of the board represent their organisations, but will come together to collaborate on knowledge, skills and ideas.
The Board is chaired by Dr Simon Lyster.
The Board comprises executives from:
- Essex County Council
- Thurrock Council
- Essex Planning Officers Association
- Essex Developers Forum
- Essex Wildlife Trust
- Whirledge and Nott
- Environment Agency
- Natural England
- RCCE
- Young Essex Assembly
- Essex Cultural Diversity Project
- Ground Control
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Structure of the Local Nature Partnership
Essex Local Nature Partnership is hosted by Essex County Council (ECC) and is structured around a Board, an officer working group and sub-focus working groups. There are currently 4 sub-focus working groups:
- Local Nature Recovery Strategy Working Group
- Community Engagement Working Group
- Planning and Biodiversity Net Gain Working Group
- Agriculture Working Group
Organisations involved in the Working groups include:
- Natural England
- Southend council
- Thurrock Council
- Essex Wildlife Trust
- Woodland Trust
- RSPB
- Forestry England
- Environment Agency
- Whirledge and Nott
- Places Services, ECC
- The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)
- Essex Cultural Diversity Project
- Essex Country Parks
- Country Land Business Association (CLA)
- Willmott Dixon
- Essex Wellbeing Service
- Wilderness Foundation
- Essex highways
- National Farmers Union (NFU)
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How to get involved with the Local Nature Partnership
- Sign up to the Local Nature Partnership (LNP) mailing list to receive the LNP Newsletter (NO Junk Mail). The newsletter will feature updates from our partners and progress made by the LNP. Sign up by emailing ‘Newsletter’ to helena.taylor@essex.gov.uk
- If you are part of an organisation or community group that wants to join one of the working group conversations, then please get in touch: helena.taylor@essex.gov.uk
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The Essex Local Nature Partnership
