Video transcript
In 2022, we declared an ecological emergency, recognising the startling decline in our natural world and the need to act.
As a result, we’ve developed a ‘Biodiversity Action Plan’ that will guide us in creating a district that is rich in nature by halting biodiversity loss and putting nature on a path to recovery.
The UK is considered to be one of the most nature depleted countries on Earth, and these startling statistics from the ‘State of Nature’ report show just how drastic the decline has been since 1970, and our urgent need to act.
As a result, we’ve developed a Biodiversity Action Programme. This will guide us in creating a District that is rich in nature, by halting biodiversity loss and putting nature on a path to recovery.
Our ambition is:
“To make Warwick District a place that is rich in nature, delivering multiple benefits for wildlife and people.”
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It is all the species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms like bacteria that work together, like an intricate web, to maintain and support life.
Without it, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems that we rely on to provide us with everything we need – oxygen, clean water, food, medicine, and shelter.
The biodiversity of Warwick District is a tremendous asset. It gives the district its special character, supports farming, tourism and other economic opportunities and provides a wonderful environment for peoples’ mental and physical wellbeing.
The plan sets out how we will respond to the need to protect, conserve and enhance biodiversity in the district, with a particular focus on the Council’s own land and operations.
We’ve developed three themes that will help us focus on our objectives and actions.
Theme #1 – Nature Recovery and Management
- In line with national and international ‘30by30’ commitments, we’ll support and enable 30% of our land to be effectively conserved and managed for the purpose of nature’s recovery by 2030
- We’ll identify opportunities to create, restore and enhance target habitats on Council land to provide opportunities for connectivity and for targeted species to thrive
- We’ll improve our grounds maintenance practices to allow biodiversity to flourish
Theme #2 – People and Partnerships
- We’ll find ways to engage, connect, involve, inspire and support individuals, communities and landowners, including town and parish councils, to take action for nature in their local area
- We’ll establish strong working relationships with partners delivering on our shared ambitions to ensure effective collaboration
- We’ll strive to be a positive example of how to effectively manage our land, inspiring others
Theme #3 – Legal, Planning, Policy and Funding
- We’ll embed biodiversity in our policies and operations to help protect, conserve, and enhance it
- We’ll ensure we’re best placed to secure long-term funding opportunities
- We’ll draw on best practice to develop ambitious local planning policies, to ensure that nature is protected and enhanced through the planning system
We’ve already taken steps to halt decline and support recovery, such as:
- Supporting No Mow May
- Creating a new country park
- Providing over 600 bird, bat and bug nest boxes in our parks
- Installing bird feeding stations
- Planting spring bulbs
- Introducing grassland meadows, in addition to maintaining our 11 local nature reserves and 7 wildlife sites
Our action plan sets out in detail the aims, objectives, and actions that we’ll undertake between now and 2030.
You can view our detailed action plan at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/biodiversity. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for regular updates on the action plan, plus helpful tips, information, and inspiration on how you can play your part for nature.
