LGA sustainability briefing: the natural environment

Introduction

The UK has committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This means that the total greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to the emissions removed from the atmosphere, with the aim of limiting climate change. Achieving these commitments will require a wholesale transformation of our society. 

The natural environment has a key role to play in tackling climate change, promoting economic development, improving mental and physical health, and helping society adapt to changing weather patterns. Nature recovery and biodiversity should not be seen as a separate issue from other aspects of our lives, but rather an integral part of how we can create a sustainable and resilient future. Green infrastructure is the term used to describe the network of multi-functional green and blue spaces (outdoor environments–either natural or manmade–that prominently feature water and are accessible to people) and other natural features, urban and rural, which delivers benefits for nature, climate, local and wider communities and prosperity.

According to the most recent State of Nature report, published in 2023, there has been a 19% decline in the average abundance of wildlife species in the UK since the 1970s. Preservation and restoration of the natural environment is an urgent priority that needs to be addressed by councils and individuals alike.

Councils have a significant role to play in nature recovery, as they have legal powers and duties to protect and enhance biodiversity. The Environment Act 2021 has strengthened these duties, requiring councils to report on their efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity and develop local nature recovery strategies. Additionally, councils must now make sure that developments deliver biodiversity net gain , ensuring that nature is improved alongside economic growth.

This briefing explains the business case for taking action to preserve and enhance the natural environment and biodiversity, and sets out suggested interventions that councils can take.  It is one of a series of LGA briefings relating to environmental sustainability. 

The business case for action

Economic benefits

The natural environment provides valuable services that contribute to the local economy. It helps reduce the burden on the healthcare system, supports farming and agriculture, and acts as a carbon sink (anything that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases), which can be seen as natural capital. By protecting and enhancing nature, councils can unlock economic opportunities and create a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Health and wellbeing

Access to green spaces and nature has been proven to have positive impacts on people's physical and mental health. Trees and other vegetation act to filter out pollutants, improving air and water quality. By prioritising green infrastructure delivery and nature recovery, councils can improve the well-being of their residents, leading to healthier and happier communities. This, in turn, can reduce healthcare costs and increase productivity.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation

Nature plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting and restoring habitats such as peatlands, woodlands, and coastal marine areas can help councils achieve their climate targets and contribute to national and international climate action efforts. Additionally, nature-based solutions, such as sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), peatland restoration and habitat expansion, can also help reduce the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and over-heating.

Legal obligations

Councils have duties under the Habitats Regulations and Wildlife and Countryside Act to look after protected sites and species. The Environment Act 2021 has strengthened the NERC Act 2016 biodiversity duty of councils, requiring them to have regard for biodiversity and report on their efforts to protect and enhance it. Councils also have powers to declare local nature reserves, set up community forests, and develop local nature recovery strategies. By fulfilling these legal obligations, councils can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. 

Social justice and equality

Access to green spaces and nature should be equitable, ensuring that all communities have equal opportunities to benefit from nature. By investing in nature recovery and green infrastructure, councils can address social inequalities and create more inclusive and accessible environments for all residents.

Suggested interventions with case study links

There are several levers that councils can use to support nature recovery and biodiversity. A list is provided below split by what the council can do across different areas.  

Strategy and leadership

  • Local Nature Recovery Strategy: 48 county, unitary and combined authorities have been identified as responsible, legally required to develop a local nature recovery strategy. District authorities contribute to this strategy, which can influence planning policies. 
  • Training and Awareness: Councils should ensure that training on nature conservation is provided to all staff members. This can help raise awareness and understanding of the importance of nature in decision-making processes. By prioritising nature recovery and incorporating it into various aspects of their work, councils can play a crucial role in restoring, protecting, and recovering the natural environment.
    • The London Borough of Sutton have a policy in their Local Plan 2018 to 2031 to grant permission for developments that create, conserve or enhance biodiversity and improve access to nature. They also set out plans to extend existing and create new local wildlife sites.
    • Gloucestershire County Council published Highways Biodiversity Guidance in 2022 to help the council implement its statutory biodiversity duty whilst carrying out its highway functions.
  • Strategies and action plans: Councils can use environment, biodiversity and/or green infrastructure strategies to link natural environment priorities to their corporate strategy and priorities and make sure they have the right governance in place to take action.
    • South Ribble Borough Council have a biodiversity strategy and action plan that sets out how they will restore, conserve and enhance biodiversity in the Borough, integrating their responsibilities into work across all departments. 

Planning process

The most recent State of Nature report, published in 2019, suggests there has been a 13 per cent decline in the average abundance of wildlife in the UK since the 1970s. This is despite legislation and policy to protect biodiversity and wildlife. 

  • Protected sites and species: Councils need to make sure they are complying with legal requirements for wildlife sites and species protected by law due to their national and international importance. They also have duties to protect and enhance these sites and species.
  • Biodiversity Net Gain: To help redress the loss of biodiversity, since early 2024, developers have been required to deliver at least 10 per cent biodiversity net gain with all developments. This means councils must ensure through their planning approval process that developments not only compensate for any loss of biodiversity but also provide additional benefits to nature.
    •  Bath and Northeast Somerset Council introduced Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements ahead of its mandatory introduction and have shared their learning in a case study. 
  • Local Policies: Councils can incorporate green infrastructure, nature protection and enhancement into their planning policies. This includes designating local wildlife sites, preserving trees and hedges, and considering the impact on nature in all planning decisions.
    • The  have a policy in their Local Plan 2018-2031 to grant permission for developments that create, conserve or enhance biodiversity and improve access to nature. They also set out plans to extend existing and create new local wildlife sites.

Connecting People to Nature

Councils have a duty to ensure that people have access to good quality green and blue spaces. This can be achieved through green infrastructure strategies, highways planning, health planning, education, and the Countryside Rights of Way Act.

  • Local Nature Reserves and Community Forests: Councils have the power to declare local nature reserves on land they own or have an interest in. They can also establish community forests, providing opportunities for nature conservation and community engagement.
    • Sheffield City Council  has collaborated with external stakeholders including the University of Sheffield to deliver a range of nature recovery projects in an urban area.
  • Access to Green Space: Equal access to green spaces can improve well-being and foster a stronger connection to nature, even within the urban environment.
    • The London Boroughs of Camden and Islington collaborated on a Joint Parks for Health Strategy which aimed to value local green spaces and ensure that all their residents can access, enjoy, and utilise public parks.

Further information