Rotherham's Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Rotherham's Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has been prepared by RMBC on behalf of the Rotherham Biodiversity Forum, which consists of representatives of conservation organisations throughout the area. Biodiversity is a vital resource, providing the natural systems that maintain the atmosphere and provide clean air; food, medicine, fuel as well as being an integral part of our culture. Local biodiversity action is the key approach to translating the targets set nationally by the  UK Biodiversity Action Group. The achievement of the targets in the Rotherham BAP will protect habitats and species that have been prioritised nationally and locally and will underline our contribution to sustainable development.

The development of the Rotherham BAP has included an audit of the Borough and the selection of Key Habitats and Species which are priorities for conservation in Rotherham. The BAP currently consists of specific work programmes for 11 habitats, including hedgerows, lowland heath, grasslands and woodlands, and 5 species, including great crested newt and badger. The activities outlined in these work programmes will be undertaken in partnership between the member organisations of the Forum, including RMBC, local schools, community groups, individuals, landowners / managers and local businesses. This participatory approach will raise awareness of biodiversity throughout the Borough and will enable local people to be involved in protecting and enhancing their environment.

Rotherham Biodiversity Action Plan - Introduction (2.11MB)
Rotherham Biodiversity Action Plan - Grasslands (0.98MB)
Rotherham Biodiversity Action Plan - Woodlands (963KB)
Rotherham Biodiversity Action Plan - Wetlands (229KB)
Rotherham Biodiversity Action Plan - Species (762KB)

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the variety of life. It incorporates all elements of our living planet including genetic variation, species variation and ecosystem variation that has evolved over the last 3.5 billion years. This important link between habitats and species recognizes that nature is continually adjusting to environmental change and it is this change that constantly creates new habitats and the species associated with them .

Why is Biodiversity Important?

Biodiversity is our most precious resource. The Earth's biological resources are vital to humanity's economic and social development. They provide the very systems that support our existence on this planet and are global assets of tremendous value to both present and future generations. We simply cannot live without a planet rich with biodiversity - we must protect it now and in the future.

Why Have a Biodiversity Action Plan?

The Rotherham Biodiversity Forum was formed in 1997 to advance the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Rotherham. The Forum is made up of representatives from local community groups, local and regional environmental organizations, landowners and managers and statutory and non-statutory organizations. Rotherham's LBAP is the result of sustained effort to promote the protection and enhancement of biodiversity as part of achieving a sustainable future for Rotherham. It is an on-going process that will need continual development and careful monitoring as well as integration into other relevant plans and initiatives.

What are the Objectives of the Rotherham BAP?

1. To maintain and enhance the biodiversity of Rotherham by;

• protecting the natural populations and distribution of species;
• protecting natural and semi-natural areas within which species can be maintained, and;
• identifying, habitats for re-creation and species for reintroduction, where and if appropriate.

2. To involve local people and develop effective partnerships to ensure that programmes for biodiversity conservation are maintained in the long-term.

3. To contribute towards the conservation of UK and global biodiversity by integrating with national and international agreements.

4. To raise awareness of the need for biodiversity conservation in the local context.

5. To establish monitoring programmes to assess the effectiveness of the LBAP and contribute to the achievement of local and national targets.

6. To fully integrate biodiversity as a central tenet of development policies for the area to ensure the sustainable future of Rotherham and thereby contribute towards the Local Agenda 21 through the Community Strategy.