Review of the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan and proposals for the future co-ordination of the BAP
In 2006 the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan was drawn up by South Gloucestershire Council with the help of local residents, wildlife enthusiasts and experts. The document was adopted by the council in October 2007. The aim of the plan is to coordinate wildlife action across the district and involve a wide range of groups and individuals. The document provides a strategic framework and series of detailed species and habitat action plans looking at how individuals and organisations can work to try and halt biodiversity loss across South Gloucestershire. The plan has priority habitats, UK priority species and local priority species as chosen by the Biodiversity Partnership to reflect habitats and species that can be easily identified, will inspire action and reflect a healthy ecosystem.
During 2011 the Council has completed a mid-term review of the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan, reporting on actions achieved over the past five years. Partner organisations and volunteers were asked to submit a summary of key Biodiversity Action Plan activities undertaken between 2006 – 2011. Findings provided have been listed against the habitat and species actions listed within the Plan. The 2011 review demonstrates that a significant amount of work has been undertaken with 70 actions (58%) being completed or having significant progress made. A further 30 actions (24%) have some action reported against them, whilst little or no activity has been reported against just 19 actions (18%) to date.
A copy of the draft review document is now available for comment through to the end of November 2011, and there is still time to record any further outputs or actions that may have been missed.
Reviewing objectives and reporting progress is key to the biodiversity process in South Gloucestershire and throughout the UK. It provides an opportunity to examine what has been achieved and refocus priorities. It also helps biodiversity partners to communicate achievements with each other and the wider community. The challenge now is to use the information contained in the review to work with partners in central government, voluntary organisations and local volunteers to identify priorities for the remainder of the Biodiversity Action Plan period and focus resources appropriately whilst taking account of developments in policy and practice. The Council has now prepared a document detailing draft proposals for the future co-ordination and implementation of the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan, which include:
• The need to establish an effective and time efficient BAP monitoring system.
• To merge the former Biodiversity Topic Group and Biodiversity Partnership into one new group known as the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Group. Membership will comprise community volunteers, government bodies, voluntary organisations and local businesses, with organisational support from South Gloucestershire Council.
• The new Biodiversity Action Group should meet once per year to review achievements and set priorities and actions for the coming year. It can consider whether to constitute itself and set up sub-groups to apply for grants and deliver particular projects or initiatives.
• The new Biodiversity Action Group will be invited to appoint ‘champions’ who will lead on particular habitats and species. Champions may be voluntary bodies such as the Hawk and Owl Trust and Avon Bat Group, or individuals monitoring species such as Adder’s Tongue Spearwort or Bithynian Vetch.
Comments on both the Draft South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan Review 2006 – 2011 and Draft Proposals for the future co-ordination and implementation of the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan documents are very welcome and should reach the Council by 30th November 2011 at the latest.
Both documents can be read on line by going to our Consultation webpage:
https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti/BiodiversityActionPlanReview/consultationHome
You can also request a paper copy of the documents using the contact details below.
Comments can be made through the following:
E-mail to: NaturalEnvironment@southglos.gov.uk
Mail to: Biodiversity Action Plan Review
Environmental Projects team
South Gloucestershire Council
PO Box 2081
South Gloucestershire
BS35 9BR
For more information about the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action and how you can get involved, please contact Richard Aston / Chris Giles on 01454 863725.
Biodiversity Action Plan
A Biodiversity Action Plan has been drawn up by South Gloucestershire Council with the help of local residents, wildlife enthusiasts and experts. The aim of the plan is to coordinate wildlife action across the district and involve a wide range of groups and individuals.
The document was publicly consulted on and adopted by the council in October 2007. Click on 'Biodiversity Action Plan' in the 'Read more' box on the right-hand side of the page to see the full document. You can request the BAP on CD or find out about joining our Biodiversity Topic Group by contacting us.
The plan has priority habitats, UK priority species and local priority species. These were chosen by the Biodiversity Partnership to reflect habitats and species that can be easily identified, will inspire action and reflect a healthy ecosystem.
Priority habitats
- Arable farmland
- Broadleaf woodland
- Hedges, dry stone walls and field margins
- Old meadows and pastures
- Orchards
- Ponds, rhynes, rivers and water bodies
- Saltmarsh/coastal grazing floodplain
UK priority species
- Bullfinch
- Dormouse
- Great crested newt
- Hedgehogs
- Song thrush
- Tassel stonewort
- White clawed crayfish
- Lesser horseshoe bat
Local priority species
- Adders tongue spearwort
- Barn owl
- Bath asparagus
- Bithynian vetch
- Glow worm
- Slow worm
- Wild service tree