Ongoing Work

Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Access to Nature

LNRS logo

Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) sets out how Southend-on-Sea and other Essex councils will support nature recovery across our area, helping wildlife thrive while delivering benefits for people, climate, and communities.
Through the LNRS, we are working with partners, landowners, communities, and neighbouring authorities to:
  • Protect and restore important habitats and wildlife sites
  • Create and improve nature‑rich green and blue spaces
  • Strengthen green areas and nature corridors
  • Ensure nature recovery is integrated into planning, development, and land management.

Access to Nature

Access to natural spaces helps physical and mental wellbeing. More nature‑rich places can support:
  • Improved mental health and reduced stress
  • Increased physical activity
  • Stronger community connections
  • Greater understanding and care for the natural environment
     
Our LNRS recognises that nature recovery and access to nature should go hand in hand as urban areas grow. By bringing nature closer to where people live, work, and learn, we can support both biodiversity and benefits for residents.

Our Ambition: Increasing Access

We want more people to experience and benefit from nature as part of their everyday lives. As part of our Local Nature Recovery Strategy, we are beginning work towards the ambition, for example planning for at least 1 in 4 people regularly access nature‑rich spaces.
 
Regular access means people are able to visit and enjoy parks, green spaces, waterways, woodlands, and other natural areas as part of their normal routines. To support increased access to nature, we will:
  • Identify opportunities to create or enhance accessible green spaces
  • Improve links between existing green spaces through walking, cycling, and nature corridors
  • Support community‑led projects and volunteering in local green spaces
  • Encourage nature‑based solutions in new developments
  • Work with health, education, and community partners to promote nature engagement.
 
To view the Essex Local Nature Recovery strategy and it's background, click here.