The Urban Nature Recovery Standard sets targets to improve, expand and connect the habitats and species associated with green infrastructure in urban and urban fringe areas. It seeks to reverse the decline in biodiversity and make a better environment for people.
How does it work?
The Urban Nature Recovery Standard encourages local authorities to set aspirational, but realistic, targets for increasing the quantity of green infrastructure that can be created or managed for nature recovery. It provides flexibility to define targets that reflect local circumstances, recognising that different areas will be at different stages in their nature recovery journey.
There is an opportunity for Urban Nature Recovery targets to be delivered through the statutory requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain by increasing the quality of habitats delivered.
What is the standard?
Area-wide standard: In urban and urban fringe areas, the proportion of green infrastructure that is designed and managed for nature recovery is increased by an agreed percentage based on a locally defined baseline and taking into account local needs, opportunities and constraints. This includes the creation and restoration of wildlife rich habitats, which can contribute to the delivery of local nature recovery objectives.
Local authorities in urban and urban fringe areas set targets for nature recovery through provision and sustainable management of Local Nature Reserves and Local Wildlife Sites, to:
- Provide 1 hectare of Local Nature Reserve (LNR) per 1,000 population (for nature conservation and quiet enjoyment).
- Enhance existing and identify new areas that qualify as Local Wildlife Sites (for nature conservation).
Major development standard: The developer identifies in the Green Infrastructure Plan for the development (or in the Design and Access Statement, as appropriate), its contribution to nature recovery and the creation and restoration of 22 wildlife rich habitats, which can contribute to the delivery of local nature recovery objectives, including the potential for creation or enhancement of Local Nature Reserves or Local Wildlife Sites.