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Why Nature Recovery Networks are important

© Lauren Heather

Wildlife require networks of connected habitats in a series of patches and corridors across the landscape in order to remain viable in the long term.

Nature Recovery Networks (NRN) are essentially ecological networks, but they specifically refer to the desperate state of nature and the critical need to restore and recreate large networks of linked habitat across the country.

The NRN will be a national network of wildlife-rich places. The aim is to expand, improve and connect these places across towns, cities and countryside. The NRN is a major commitment in the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and part of the forthcoming Nature Strategy.

The concept around Nature Recovery Networks and their role as a national response to the state of nature was developed by the Wildlife Trusts and adopted by the UK Government in their 25 Year Environment Plan in 2018.

Establishing and successful delivery of the NRN will:

  • enhance sites designated for nature conservation and other wildlife-rich places - newly created and restored wildlife-rich habitats, corridors and stepping-stones will help wildlife populations to grow and move
  • improve the landscape’s resilience to climate change, providing natural solutions to reduce carbon and manage flood risk, and sustaining vital ecosystems such as improved soil, clean water and clean air
  • reinforce the natural and cultural diversity of our landscapes, and protect our historic natural environment
  • enable us to enjoy and connect with nature where we live, work and play - benefiting our health and wellbeing

What is the Devon Nature Recovery Network?

The Devon NRN will be a network of new and old species-rich habitats across the county. The creation, restoration and maintenance of these habitats will be guided by a live interactive online map. This map will show both existing habitats and spatial species information and areas of opportunity for the restoration and creation of new habitat to enable nature’s recovery, particularly through enabling:

  • current sites to get bigger;
  • current sites to get better through enhanced viability;
  • the linking of existing sites functionally and/or physically;
  • and the creation of more areas for wildlife.

 

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