Biodiversity in Parishes

The word ‘biodiversity’ combines ‘biology’ and ‘diversity’. It’s the diversity of life on earth, our environment around us, whether it is a garden, a local park or a nature reserve. Certain species and habitats are under threat, and that is why, in 1997 the Cheshire region Biodiversity Partnership (CrBP) was set up.

The CrBP brings together over 40 organisations, groups and individuals to work collectively towards a common vision of ‘a Cheshire region richer in Wildlife by 2020’. Members of the CrBP contribute voluntary time and funding to forward biodiversity actions, research, wildlife recording and practical conservation works to help safeguard the future of the Cheshire region’s wildlife. The CrBP, made up of statutory and non-statutory organisations, work alongside businesses, community groups, local experts and wildlife enthusiasts to deliver the Cheshire region Biodiversity Action Plan (CrBAP). The CrBAP currently contains 73 action plans for our most vulnerable species and habitats.

Ultimately biodiversity is either lost or saved at the local level. That is why parishes are so important to help biodiversity. Whether you are developing or implementing your Parish Plan, want to create a wildlife friendly haven in your park, or want someone to come and talk about your local wildlife, the CrBP can help. Partners of the CrBP include the Local Authorities as well as Cheshire Wildlife Trust, RECORD and Cheshire Landscape Trust. If you want to let the CrBP know how wildlife rich your parishes are, then send your records to RECORD, our local wildlife records centre www.record-lrc.co.uk.

To find out more about the CrBP visit www.cheshire-biodiversity.org.uk or contact Sarah Bennett, the Cheshire region Biodiversity Manager by emailing sbennett@cheshirewt.cix.co.uk.

Posted on Tuesday 03 November, 2009
Category: News