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The Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is opening to public consultation next month. 

Somerset Council will be holding a webinar on Thursday 6th October 1:30-2:30 to gather feedback on their proposals. You can register for the webinar .

In this session they will cover:

• LNRS overview
• Overview of the map - what does it mean to me (in or out of the mapped space)?
• Pros and concerns
• Timeline and next steps
• What does the LNRS delivery stage look like and who owns/drives it?
• How to respond to the public consultation
• Question and answer session.

LNRSs are spatial strategies which plan, map, and create priorities for nature in a given area. 

Strategies will include a Local Habitat Map and a statement of biodiversity priorities.

Their principal aim is to create space for nature to deliver BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) and they will help identify the priorities and locations for nature recovery in a given area. 

You can find out more about LNRSs here.

A consultation is now underway on the Cheddar 2 Strategic Resource Option (SRO), a new reservoir and transfer scheme designed to strengthen water supplies across the Southwest.

We want to ensure NFU members are aware of the project, how it may affect landowners, and how to take part in the consultation.

Please find all the details about the consultation here: 

How to get involved

Members are encouraged to:

• Attend one of the drop-in events to view plans, ask questions and share feedback:
  • Fri 12 Sept, 4 to 8pm – North Petherton Community Centre
  • Sat 13 Sept, 12 to 4pm – Cheddar Village Hall
  • Tue 14 Sept, 4 to 8pm – Cross Memorial Hall, Axbridge
  • Fri 19 Sept, 4 to 8pm – Axbridge Town Hall
  • Sat 20 Sept, 12 to 4pm – St Michael’s Hall, Bampton
• Complete the online feedback form to register your views. 
• Contact Fisher German for direct queries:
  • Pipelines: [email protected]
  • Reservoir: [email protected]

Next steps for members

Please review the consultation documents and take the opportunity to have your say. Early engagement will be crucial to shape outcomes, reduce impacts and ensure landowner voices are heard throughout the process.

For any other concerns please contact [email protected]

Our county annual meeting will be held on Wednesday 12 November at Rumwells Farm Shop, Rumwell, Near Taunton, Somerset, TA4 1EJ. It will be an evening meeting this year. 

Further details will be published shortly, but do make a note of the date in your diary. It will be an ideal opportunity to find out more about the NFU's work over the last year and meet up with friends from across the county.

We hope to see you there.

We recently met with PCC Claire Moody and MP for Tiverton and Minehead Rachel Gilmour to discuss concerns around increasing rural crime across the county.

In June, the NFU Mutual Rural Crime report revealed that Somerset has seen a concerning increase in the cost of rural crime by 168.7% since 2023, making it the most affected county in the region.

We discussed with Claire the importance of a fully staffed team, resources to tackle organised crime, and the impact of thefts on the rural community.

Please read the update below from the Rural Crime Team and remember to remember to report all rural crimes to the police.

Forestry Commission England are seeking to recruit two new members for the Forestry and Woodlands Advisory Committee (FWAC) in the South West.

It's an opportunity for those working in the sector to shape the way the Forestry Commission delivers its role to protect, expand, improve and connect people to trees, woodland and forests across the region. You can register your interest by submitting an Expression of Interest form and up-to-date CV. 

The closing date for applications to be returned to the Forestry Commission is Friday 19 September 2025, via email to the Area Director, James Fry: [email protected]