How you can help

A pond

If you have a pond in your garden, school grounds, village green or park, you can manage it for wildlife to attract dragonflies to breed, birds to drink, and frogs and newts to live.

An orchard

Traditional orchards are few and far between, but if managed correctly can be a haven for wildlife. Consider how the grass below the trees is cared for, and plant trees of an old English fruit variety. Photo © Peter Nalder.

A churchyard

Churchyards provide a refuge for wildlife in urban and rural landscapes. Managing these less-intensively, and planting wildflowers and shrubs, will make these areas a vital stepping-stone for wildlife.

What’s new?

14 August 2008

Clear vision for wildlife conservation

New Biodiversity Action Plan is launched in Northants

Northamptonshire’s new strategy for the protection of our most threatened habitats and species was launched on Monday 21 July at the fabulous Fineshade Woods.

The event was attended by representatives from all of the Local Authorities in Northamptonshire, including Councillors from Daventry and Corby, and the Deputy Mayor for Corby.

The strategy, known as the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), sets out the highest priorities for action to conserve Northamptonshire’s wildlife. Biodiversity is the variety of living things on Earth, and includes everything from tiny algae to large mammals. In Northamptonshire, the biodiversity is under severe pressure: Most of our countryside consists of arable fields which support low numbers of wild plant and animal species; and local wildlife is experiencing one of the highest levels of pressure from development in the whole of the UK.

High levels of biodiversity are found in more natural areas of habitat, such as ancient woodland, species-rich grassland, and unmodified rivers. These habitats are part of a list of 16 that are nationally important and have been identified as a priority for conservation in Northamptonshire. Among these habitats nearly 160 species of national conservation concern can be found, all of which are included in the Northamptonshire BAP. Otters and water voles are of particular importance and we need to take specific action to protect these.

For more information about biodiversity in Northamptonshire, visit www.northamptonshirebiodiversity.org.

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