Biodiversity

Biological diversity or biodiversity is the living component of the natural world and embraces all plant and animal species and communities associated with terrestrial, aquatic and marine habitats. It also includes the genetic variation within species. Nature conservation generally aims to maintain and enhance natural biodiversity.

On this page:

1. Why is Biodiversity important?
2. Advice and Information
3. Recent News

1. Why is Biodiversity important?

• Economic importance:
  Large numbers of jobs are linked to biodiversity, including those in agriculture, forestry, fishing and tourism. A healthy natural environment attracts investment and is essential for tourism as it provides many essential commodities - food, fuel and construction materials.
• Integral part of maintaining the natural functions of the environment:
  Natural habitats assist in slowing water drainage from land and therefore provide flood control. In particular, plants help filter pollutants from air, water and soil, including carbon dioxide, one of the gases causing global warming.
• Essential part of our social and cultural life:
  Plants and animals are central to much of our heritage and culture: The natural environment is a major source of inspiration for people from all backgrounds.
• Important to our health and wellbeing:
  Natural areas provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise providing people with the opportunity to relax and respite from stress.
• Intrinsic value:
  Nature should be conserved for its own sake and should be protected for future generations.

2. Advice and Information

For advice and information on biodiversity in your area including protected sites, species and habitats contact your local Natural England office. To find out how you can contribute to conserving biodiversity in your area contact your Local Biodiversity Action Plan Co-ordinator. Each Local Biodiversity Action Plan works on the basis of partnership to identify local priorities and to determine the contribution they can make to the delivery of the national Species and Habitat Action Plan targets. See the UK Biodiversity Action Plan website for links to individual LBAP's and the contact details of their co-ordinators.

Get active! Get involved! Help your local area make breathing space for biodiversity.

3. Recent News

UK BAP Species and Habitat Review
The Government has published the revised UK list of priority species and habitats. The list contains 1149 species and 65 habitats that have been listed as priorities for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). New species added to the list include the hedgehog, house sparrow and grass snake.

The UK BAP is considered to be one of the most authoritative reference sources for the state of the UK's wildlife. The revised list is the result of more than two years of work by more than 500 wildlife experts and it brings together key scientific data on all the listed species in one document.

Wildlife Gardening Campaign
Natural England, the government agency for nature conservation, had launched a campaign to save the nation's gardens, particularly those in towns and cities. Its wildlife gardening manifesto has gathered support from many of the UK's leading wildlife and horticultural organisations, and is a call to action for businesses, the public sector and the public to play their part and give gardens a future - for the benefit of our own health and the survival of the wildlife that lives on our doorsteps.

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: "The gardens of England are under threat. In London, front gardens with an area 22 times the size of Hyde Park are now paved over and lost, reducing havens for wildlife, increasing the impact of flash flooding and contributing to climate change."

Joan Ruddock, Minister for Biodiversity, said: "It is inspiring to see leading wildlife and horticultural organisations working together to highlight

New Biodiversity Duty Guidance for Local Authorities
On 22 May 2007, International Biodiversity Day, Defra launched their new guidance for local authorities on implementing the biodiversity duty. From 1 October 2006, all local authorities, including the 410 unitary, county and district councils in England and Wales, and approximately 10,000 community, parish and town councils, have had a Duty to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in exercising their functions. The Duty aims to raise the profile of biodiversity across the public sector and ensure that biodiversity becomes a natural consideration in policy and decision-making.

The guidance has been produced in consultation with the LGA and representatives of local authorities, and provides advice on how local authorities can integrate biodiversity considerations into all relevant service areas and functions, including developing and leading local policies and strategies; planning and development control; managing their estate; procurement; education, awareness raising and advisory functions. The biodiversity duty encourages local authorities to seek opportunities to use biodiversity conservation as a tool in developing locally distinctive and sustainable communities.

The new guidance for local authorities on implementing the biodiversity duty is available as a download from here

For further Information on the LGA's response to the duty visit the biodiversity pages of the LGA website.

Natural England's Health campaign aims to promote outdoors activities to enhance the quality of life, preventing heart disease, stress and mental health problems.

If you want to work with Natural England to develop our campaign to expand the role of the natural environment in supporting health and wellbeing, contact the Natural England Health campaign or campaign manager Huw Davies.