Warwick District Council’s “Biodiversity Action Programme” sets out the Council’s strategic approach to protecting, conserving, and enhancing biodiversity in the district.

The programme will guide the Council in creating a district that is rich in nature by halting biodiversity loss and putting nature on a path to recovery, with a particular focus on the Council’s own land and operations.

Following the declaration of an ecological emergency in 2022, the Council has been developing the programme with consultants and partners, producing an action plan of immediate actions to take between now and 2030.

Three themes have been developed that will help the Council focus on its objectives and actions, making best use of its resources and areas of influence.

• Theme #1 – Nature recovery and management
• Theme #2 – People and partnerships
• Theme #3 – Legal, Planning, Policy, and Funding

The programme also identifies eight habitats and twenty species to target and support, that are representative of the natural environment in the district.

Councillor Ian Davison, Leader of Warwick District Council, said: “The UK is seeing a startling decline in the natural environment, and we recognise there is an urgent need to act. The Council has a demonstrable track record of actively supporting biodiversity through a range of measures, evident in the work carried out by our Green Space team and biodiversity offsetting as part of planning conditions.

“This programme enables us to home in on our areas of influence to enhance biodiversity by employing careful land management, effective partnership working, and the appropriate use of the legal and planning systems.”

The Biodiversity Action Programme and an introductory animation can be found on the Council’s website. Residents are also encouraged to engage with the Council on social media, where regular updates on progress will be shared alongside helpful information, tips, and inspiration for how we can all play our part for nature.

The first two actions the Council will be undertaking as part of the programme will be participating in Plantlife’s annual No Mow May campaign and carrying out a ‘reduced pesticide’ trial in select areas of the district.

Councillor Will Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Participating in No Mow May is an important part of our Biodiversity Action Programme, as it helps us provide vital food sources for pollinators as well as enabling our green spaces and verges to become more resilient to the effects of climate change.

“Last year was very much a learning curve and I want to reassure residents that we have listened to their feedback and will be doing things differently this year, with a particular change to the way we manage highway verges, play areas and cemeteries.

“Nature isn’t neat, but it’s a big part of where we live. Beneath the long grass, wildflowers and what might be viewed as ‘weeds’ lies a thriving habitat of vital species that will help us combat the negative effects of climate change, delivering multiple benefits for wildlife and people.

“We hope you’ll join us in No Mow May and support the work we are doing to preserve and enhance nature in our communities.”

Further information on No Mow May and the pesticide reduction trial will be made available in the next few weeks.