Biodiversity is another word that we hear a lot. It is quite simply the diversity of all living creatures. The government is also committed to biodiversity as part of its wider strategy of sustainable development. Information on biodiversity can be found at the following web sites:
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. Therefore action for biodiversity incorporates all species and habitats, not just the rare ones.
1.3.2) Conserving Biodiversity
This 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.
1.3.3) Why is it so Important?
It is vital that we conserve biodiversity to maintain our physical and emotional wellbeing 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 more than 100 species have become extinct. The aim of the Biodiversity Action Plan is to halt this decline and start to reverse past disastrous trends.
Local Biodiversity Action Plans ensure that national targets are translated into effective action at a local level. Target species and habitats reflect the values of local people as well as considering the whole biodiversity resource.
Local biodiversity action plans raise awareness about conserving biodiversity and develop effective local partnerships so that the process can be maintained long term and effective monitoring can take place.
1.3.5) Sheffield’s Biodiversity Action Plan
| The first step towards the Sheffield Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) was an audit reviewing species and habitats in the Sheffield district, identifying those, which were locally, nationally or globally threatened, and in need of action. The aim of the audit is to provide a guide to conserving biodiversity in Sheffield by prioritising important species and habitats. Once the priorities have been identified, specific proposals and targets for action are set. |
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These take the form of an action plan for each species and habitat. Draft action plans for some of the key habitats and species have already been produced and more are currently being written. Species targets for Sheffield include the skylark, great crested newt and Pipistrelle bat. Habitat targets for Sheffield include heathland, grazing marsh and ancient semi-natural woodland. You can comment on draft plans by visiting Sheffield Wildlife Trust’s website at www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/sheffield.
For more information on the Sheffield Biodiversity Action Plan and completed plans contact:
Sheffield Wildlife Trust
Nursery street
Sheffield
S3 8GG
or
Sheffield City Ecology Unit
Meersbrook Park Offices
Brook Rd.
Sheffield
S8 9FL
For up to date information on the National Biodiversity Action Plan and the process subscribe to ‘Biodiversity News’, the magazine for Biodiversity Action Planners. Contact:
Kirsty Andrews
Biodiversity Secretariat
Room 902D
Tollgate House
Houlton Street
Bristol
BS2 9DJ
Tel. 0117 987 6276
Fax 0117 987 8182
