iodiversity - The variety of life

 What is iodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of life around us - the different species and the differences between individuals. 

 Biodiversity encompasses all wildlife and the habitats in which they live, ranging from the smallest bacteria to the largest mammals and the tiniest algae to the tallest trees. Action for biodiversity includes all species and habitats, not just the rare ones. These pages give an overview of biodiversity and biodiversity action planning. They also provided detailed information on a number of focal species and habitats. 

 It is vital that we conserve biodiversity to maintain our physical and emotional well-being and to hand on a rich environment to future generations. Imagine how impoverished our life would be if Sheffield were to lose the green spaces which colour its hills and valleys.

 We totally rely on the natural world for our survival, without it we could not exist. In the UK this century we have lost over 100 species. The aim of the Biodiversity Action Plan is to halt this decline and start to improve upon what we already have.

 The Sheffield Biodiversity Action Plan  initiative springs from the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 where 150 countries, including the UK, made a commitment to conserving biodiversity by signing the Biodiversity Convention.

 The UK Biodiversity Action Plan is delivering this commitment by drawing up National Action Plans and setting targets to be applied on a local level in Sheffield.

 The main objectives for Biodiversity are to conserve and enhance the range and quality of our species and habitats, including those that are rare and threatened and those of local importance and characteristic of local areas.

 After consultation with many experts, the Sheffield Biodiversity Steering Group have compiled a list of habitats and species considered to be important priorities for action. From this list, Action Plans will be produced, outlining the current status of the species and habitats, threats facing them and practical ways to conserve them and help them thrive.

 Below you will find links to sections that detail biodiversity species and the habitats that they live in. you will also find a section that contains the actual plans.