Background and Challenges
Lincolnshire County Council were developing their Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a statutory requirement designed to protect and enhance habitats unique to the region and encourage biodiversity. This strategy required strong engagement with key stakeholders – most significantly farmers, landowners, and land agents - who directly influence land use and management decisions.
Building on lessons learned from similar projects, we wanted to focus on ensuring stakeholders felt valued and involved. We wanted to create sessions that would inform, inspire, and gather insights for a draft strategy built from participant input, creating a sense of ownership and creating conditions for the final strategy to be achievable and welcomed.
Building on lessons learned from similar projects, we wanted to focus on ensuring stakeholders felt valued and involved. We wanted to create sessions that would inform, inspire, and gather insights for a draft strategy built from participant input, creating a sense of ownership and creating conditions for the final strategy to be achievable and welcomed.
Trueman Change Involvement
Trueman Change took a strategic and tailored approach to developing strong stakeholder connections. Key activities were:
Designing Targeted Sessions
We were responsible for formulating and producing three engaging sessions to draw out the views of farmers, landowners, and agents. By partnering with a local land agent, the events offered value to attendees by focusing on the latest developments in land use, rather than solely the LNRS.
Guest Speakers and Real Case Studies
We held each event at farms and estates already using nature-friendly farming practices, the hosts doubling as guest speakers providing credible examples as successful land managers already implementing nature-based solutions well. These real-life accounts instilled confidence by showing how challenges could be effectively overcome and profitable business models developed while also protecting nature.
Strategic Messaging
An important part of our approach was positioning the sessions as opportunities to gain valuable insights - keeping the tone upbeat and exciting to draw in participants. The goal was to create collaboration while subtly introducing LNRS goals in a way that stakeholders would embrace.
Each session provided an open platform for discussions about land management pain points and shared innovative solutions which helped our client develop the strategy.
Outcomes and Solutions
Our approach led to real results, making the draft LNRS more likely to be successfully delivered in Lincolnshire. The sessions saw us actively involving stakeholders and making sure their opinions were able to inform the strategy. This preparation should minimise pushback when the strategy goes to public consultation. The expected result was a plan to help Lincolnshire protect habitats and create more space for nature, balancing the needs of conservation with infrastructure requirements and human activities.
Added Value
Trueman Change brought unique advantages to the project through a combination of flexibility and expertise:- The Right Mix of Skills
We approached this project from a comms and engagement viewpoint, and not just project management. We mixed this in-depth knowledge and experience with event delivery expertise to provide a real mix of skills that went beyond traditional approaches. - Stakeholder Trust
We positioned the sessions as valuable opportunities tailored to the audience, creating a highly collaborative and engaging environment. - Tailored Approach
By adjusting messaging and session formats based on lessons learned from past projects, Trueman Change was able to connect more effectively and achieve stronger buy-in from stakeholders.
Of course, the overarching benefit of this kind of initiative is being able to create more space for nature in Lincolnshire, which not only protects local habitats but also contributes to the well-being of all humankind.
