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Biodiversity is another word for all the variety of all life on earth, from trees to toadstools, from butterflies to bluebells and the places where they live. Biodiversity includes us too and it could be said we are the most important species as we have the greatest impact on all the others.
Why bother to conserve biodiversity?
Biodiversity contributes immeasurably to our well being and quality of life. However because it does not directly cost us anything to use it, our biodiversity has often been neglected or thought to be worthless. |
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Conserving our biodiversity does not just mean making sure that rare habitats or species do not become extinct. It is also about making sure that the common species we enjoy watching, such as frogs, butterflies and birds, and habitats like woodlands that we enjoy walking through stay widespread and do not disappear from the close by the areas that we live in.
Won't conserving our biodiversity cost lots?
Conserving our biodiversity is not expensive at all in comparison with the cost of a new building or road. Management for biodiversity is a lot less intense than other habitats e.g. farmland or amenity grassland. Most management is low key and helps "nature take its course" a little quicker than it would without any management. Through management we can help habitats function naturally, in a self-sustaining way that will last over tens, hundreds or even thousands of years.
What are we doing about it?
The North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan was launched in 1999. This plan aims to conserve and enhance the biodiversity found in North Lanarkshire. To start doing this action plans have been written for 17 habitats and species that were identified as being of particular local importance. The actions in these plans are being taken forward by many different organisations, individuals and community groups. This action is co-ordinated by the biodiversity officer who is jointly funded by the council and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Examples of how biodiversity is encouraged or protected in North Lanarkshire include;
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delivery of the actions contained in the North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan by a variety of partners;
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education and awareness events run by the North Lanarkshire Ranger Service and Central Scotland Forest Trust;
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the Ranger service and members of the public carrying out biological recording;
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the council's ecologist commenting on planning applications;
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Forestry Commission Central Scotland Forest Challenge Scheme - a woodland grant scheme providing enhanced payment to landowners who plant or maintain their wood for biodiversity;
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The Lanarkshire Derelict Land Greening Framework which includes a priority to identify and manage nature conservation value on naturally regenerating derelict land sites; help and advice to local community groups and businesses who may want to implement nature conservation and restoration projects.
If you wish to discuss or are interested in participating in the biodiversity process as a business, community group or individual, please contact the biodiversity officer in the first instance, using the "Contact Us" box.
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