Protecting York’s habitat and wildlife from extinction



Issued by City of York Council

A new report by City of York Council has been published this month which looks into what we all can do to ensure that York’s habitat and wildlife, including endangered species, are protected from extinction.

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) looks at the many different forms of biodiversity in York and the life that surrounds us all, from plants, animals, insects and the way they all work together.

Some of the most unique natural floral and fauna wonders of York include 2,000 year old wildlife such as Clifton Ings and the Tansy beetle, which lives on tansy clumps for a 40km stretch of the banks of the Ouse around York and nowhere else in UK.

The local action plan builds on the comprehensive Biodiversity Audit 2010 survey of York carried out between 2008 through to 2010, which lists individual habitats and sites. It also works alongside the Rio Earth Summit national action plan, which the UK signed-up to with many other countries in 1992 and the Biodiversity Strategy 2020 to halt the loss of biodiversity.

The aim of the BAP is to help inform planners, developers and landowners on how they can work together to avoid harm to fragile environments and species, and where possible to enhance provision of important habitats. It will be particularly important to those looking to invest in York’s future and is one of the supporting documents for the York Local Plan, which is set to be adopted by 2015.

Cllr Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning and Sustainability, said: “York is a special place not only for its history, buildings and archaeology but also for some of its habitats, plants and wildlife.

“Through the extensive survey work already carried out over a number of years, we have identified some of the at risk habitats and species and are seeking to protect the key areas and sites involved through the proposed Local Plan, whilst allowing necessary development in other locations.

“But it’s also important we recognise and respond to the many other challenges to York’s particular natural environment, and the Biodiversity Action Plan indicates how we can go about doing that.”

Residents can also help by completing fact sheets about wildlife activity in their gardens at www.york.gov.uk/localplan- in the ‘download documents panel’. In addition there are local Friends of Groups located in different areas of the city to help manage and improve local environment.



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