The initiative, aimed at addressing the decline in nature, was drafted with input from local authorities, nature experts, farmers, and members of the public.
It will be presented to the council’s cabinet on Tuesday, September 9.
The LNRS intends to create a national ‘nature network’, proposing actions such as creating wetlands, restoring peatlands, planting trees and hedgerows, and sustainably managing existing woodlands and grasslands.
This network also aims to reduce flood risk.
Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for environment, communities and equality, said: “What this process has shown us is that nature truly means a great deal to the people of Suffolk.
Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton (Image: Suffolk County Council)
“There is a clear passion for caring for wildlife, but also recognition of the physical and mental health benefits of a thriving natural environment.”
The strategy, which has been in the making since 2022, recorded over 50,000 Suffolk engagements at more than 250 events, culminating in a public consultation in spring this year with over 500 responses.
Mr Faircloth-Mutton added: “I’d like to thank members of the public, landowners and experts for their contributions, enabling us to agree priorities for nature recovery in Suffolk and propose the actions to reverse this decline.
“This is an important document; it will hopefully be the catalyst for reversing the decline in Suffolk’s nature.”
Working closely with Norfolk County Council, which is also preparing its own LNRS, the authorities formed the Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership to identify common themes and opportunities for nature recovery support.
Subject to approval by the cabinet, the LNRS will be shared with district and borough councils and the Broads Authority for a final consultation before being published by the end of October.