 This fantastic news follows months of hard work by the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership (LBP) in preparation to meet Defra’s criteria and time spent talking to organisations across the County about what they would like to see achieved by a Local Nature Partnership.
The LBP already brings together 45 organisations consisting of local authorities, statutory agencies, and voluntary and not-for-profit groups across Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire with the aim of conserving and enhancing wildlife. This new recognition as a Local Nature Partnership will build on work already being undertaken, including co-ordinating environmental recording, and prioritising action for the wildlife and habitats. Specifically, the accreditation from Defra means that new work areas can be explored – bringing in new Partners and demonstrating the value of the natural environment to the economy of Greater Lincolnshire and to all its residents. New Partners involved so far include the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Health and Wellbeing Board for Lincolnshire.
Richard Chadd, Chair of the LBP said: "the Local Nature Partnership idea seems to have sparked the imagination of the people we have spoken to, this stamp of approval means we can really get on with delivering great things for Lincolnshire’s wildlife".
Local Nature Partnerships are a Government concept introduced in ‘The Natural Choice’ Environment White Paper in 2011. This Central Government initiative seeks to raise awareness and help everyone get more involved in the natural world. Local Nature Partnerships have to work in a way that suits the local situation, and demonstrate leadership by linking a wider range of organisations and people with nature than has ever been attempted before. They will bring together the work of the economic, social, cultural and environmental sectors of society, identifying common aims and helping everyone to work and live more closely with nature.
The LBP was established in 2007 and has already been very successful within the environmental sector. Biodiversity Services Manager Fran Hitchinson adds, "The challenge now is to build on our past achievements and good reputation, and try keep to the momentum going and bring the benefits of nature to a wider audience". The LBP hopes to launch its new identity later this year, so watch this space.
For more information about the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership go to: www.lincsbiodiversity.org.uk
Press release issued by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Partnership. | 
