We are committed to protecting and enhancing the county’s natural environment through practically, locally driven and cost-effective actions. We aim to deliver a positive environment legacy while supporting residents, businesses and sustainable growth across the county.
In March 2026 the Council approved a new Environment Policy, which sets out the approach to environmental management across Lincolnshire.
Our approach
We will prioritise realistic, affordable environmental improvements that:
- Protect Lincolnshire’s landscapes, heritage and agricultural land
- Support community wellbeing and economic resilience
- Adapt to and mitigate the impacts of a changing climate
View our Environment Policy Action Plan.
Key priorities
- Climate - We will manage risks from climate change by improving resilience to extreme weather and protecting infrastructure, communities and businesses.
- Environment and infrastructure - We will safeguard agricultural land and carefully assess major infrastructure projects to balance environmental, economic and community impacts.
- Resource use and waste - We will reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and promote reuse and recycling, supporting a more circular and resource‑efficient economy.
- Water management - We will work with partners to reduce flood risk and improve water management, ensuring sustainable growth is supported by reliable water resources.
- Nature and biodiversity - We will protect and enhance habitats, support biodiversity recovery, and increase access to green spaces for the benefit of people and wildlife.
- Travel - We will promote sustainable travel options and reduce unnecessary journeys where possible, recognising the challenges of a rural county.
How we will deliver
- Work collaboratively with partners and communities
- Embed environmental considerations into all decision‑making
- Comply with environmental legislation
- Support staff awareness and action
- Deliver a rolling Three‑Year Action Plan
The Environmental Strategy Team at Lincolnshire County Council has three main areas of activity:
Active travel
The Active Travel team develops proposals to improve cycling and walking infrastructure across the county. The Council has Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) in place for all major settlements.
The Travel Plan Team:
- Works with schools and developers to create and monitor travel plans
- Runs events to promote active travel, particularly for schools
- Provides travel plan feedback on planning applications
Environmental management
The Environmental Management team is responsible for managing and monitoring the Carbon Management Plan and ensuring the Council meets Government requirements on carbon emissions reporting.
Their work includes:
- Monitoring and reporting on carbon emissions
- Developing actions to support climate adaptation
- Working with public health teams on environmental issues such as air pollution and access to nature.
Natural environment
The Natural Environment Team manages a range of natural assets and environmental initiatives across the county.
This includes:
- Managing nature reserve sites
- Overseeing the Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy
- Managing car parks along the Lincolnshire Coast
- Carrying out risk management for trees along the highway
- Delivering tree planting programmes and creating new woodland