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Champion for Wildlife
The goal
to influence people and policy so that Avon becomes
as ‘wildlife-friendly’ as possible
How?
Deliver the Avon Biodiversity Action Plan
We will be a lead partner in driving forward the delivery
of the Avon BAP (as it’s called) as the ‘umbrella’ plan
for restoring species and habitats of particular importance to Avon.
We will put our heads above the parapet – using advocacy and campaigning
to influence public bodies so that their policies take full account of
the natural environment and speaking out when proposed policies or developments
would be damaging to wildlife.
Our strength is in our expertise and independence. Our scientific base
will continue to be improved, so the Trust is equipped to advise land
owners and managers, helping them to adopt ‘best practice’
and ensure land is managed to the benefit of wildlife.
There are opportunities for wildlife all around us, from gardens and cemeteries
to parks and playgrounds. We will work with all types of organisations
and partners to create even more opportunities.
The Biodiversity team are working on a number of projects
to protect and enhance wildlife in the wider landscape, influencing decision
makers and ensuring that government policies benefit biodiversity.
Key projects
Governments throughout the world have committed themselves
to preserving and enhancing biodiversity through drawing up and implementing
Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). Each plan sets out a series of actions
which need to be taken to ensure that the decline of a species is stopped
and its situation improved within a number of years. The Trust is helping
to achieve local BAP targets through its role as co-ordinator of the Avon
Biodiversity Action PlanProject.
North Somerset Levels and Moors Project
Recognised as a unique and significant area, the North
Somerset Levels and Moors cover approximately 40 square miles of North
Somerset. Characterised by a wide open landscape with a network of rhynes,
flushes of wetland vegetation, hedge-lined meadows and cider orchards,
the Levels and Moors support a wealth of wildlife and fertile farmland,
and conceal long forgotten archaeology and culture.
The Avon Wildlife Trust devotes considerable resources to monitoring and responding to planning applications that we believe threaten wildlife in our area. Often, particularly in urban areas, small pieces of land are threatened by development and local people are left wondering what they can do to prevent the inevitable loss of wildlife... Download a PDF guide to saving local wildlife here.
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act – NERC
In 2006 the government brought in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (The NERC Act 2006). This legislation outlines the role Local Authorities have in the conservation of biodiversity.
Section 40 of the act states that:
“Every public body must, in exercising its functions, have regard,
so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the
purpose of conserving biodiversity”
The Wildlife Trusts have produced an inspirational leaflet for Local Authorities providing guidance on how to implement these duties. It offers practical examples and outlines how considering biodiversity can truly be a cross-cutting issues which can contribute to the delivery of other local authority services and targets.
Avon Wildlife Trust is working hard with local authorities and other public bodies across the area to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities under the act. The document can be downloaded in PDF format (click here).
For any further information on this issue or other matters relating to planning please contact our Planning & Policy Officer Sian Parry sianparry@avonwildlifetrust.org
