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BIODIVERSITY ACTION
By Hugh Firman: Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland BAP Project Manager
As more and more Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) move from production to implementation they are becoming increasingly important in Countryside Management. In this article, which follows on from the recent training day organised by the CMA Midlands Region, Hugh Firman, BAP Project Manager for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, describes what BAPs are and outlines their relevance to countryside managers.
Countryside managers are in a strong position to implement BAPs. However, it is my perception that they often feel isolated from the process. This is particularly true of many large local organisations where those closely involved in the BAP process may be senior officers or planners with limited contact with on the ground practitioners.
What is a BAP?
There can be few CMA members who have not heard the story behind the production
of BAPs. However, the important thing to remember is that BAPs represent a completely
new approach to nature conservation with key elements being the identification
of priorities, the setting of clear, unambiguous targets and actions, the true
partnership approach and the translation of national priorities into local action.
Type of BAP
Over the last 12 months the production rate of BAPs seems to have increased
enormously. This has resulted in a potentially confusing situation. As an example
of this, there are parts of Leicestershire that are covered by five BAPs (with
a sixth in the pipeline!). Table 1 summarises the main types.
National UK Action Plan |
- Identifies national priority species and habitats. |
| Regional | - Identifies regional priorities. - Identifies actions deliverable on a regional level. - Some government regions have produced, others are considering. - Some organisations have produced regional action plans for specific species e.g. Butterfly Conservation, Otters and Rivers Project. - Alternatively called Regional Biodiversity Frameworks. |
| Local | - Covers county, unitary authority, Metropolitan
District Council, National Park or natural area. - Represents the means of delivery of the UK Action Plan. - Forms a jigsaw which will ultimately cover the whole of the country. |
| Biodiversity Action Programmes | - Covers a District, Borough or Parish Council - identify local priorities (e.g. urban habitats) and the means of delivering the county plan on a local level. |
| Company | - Produced by commercial organisations with capacity to have a wide influence on biodiversity. Examples include the National Forest, water companies. |
Approaches to implementation
There are three main approaches to implementation.
Why BAPs are important (why should anyone
get involved?)
Cynics will say that BAPs are just the latest fad and will soon be replaced
by another Bio-wonder strategy. I would argue that they have far-reaching support
and offer an innovative approach that will have a beneficial and long-lasting
impact. I believe that traditional approaches to nature conservation have not
been effective and declines are continuing despite the best efforts of dedicated
conservation professionals. BAPs probably represent the last chance to restore
our lost wildlife and, as countryside mangers, we have a responsibility to ensure
they are implemented effectively. Most organisations that can influence biodiversity
have committed themselves to helping to deliver actions within a BAP. Yours
may well be one of them!
As BAPs become more widely adopted, they offer more opportunities for organisations helping with their delivery. This means that as organisations, for example Wildlife Trusts and English Nature, prioritise their workloads they are more likely to provide support for organisations involved with BAP projects. Grant schemes operating on a national or local level are increasingly targeting BAP projects. Involvement in BAPs is also more likely to bring organisations into closer contact through formal and informal partnerships. This, in turn, can lead to increased opportunities.
How to get involved
There are many different ways in which countryside managers can assist in the
implementation of their local BAP. Individual local BAPs will spell out specific
actions. However, the different ways will depend largely on the individual’s
sphere of influence. The following list is not intended to be comprehensive
but gives a general idea of ways to get involved.
Review:
If you are responsible for site management you are clearly in a powerful position to facilitate implementation. Site management plans continue to be a fundamental tool in delivering prioritised action. A useful first step is therefore to review and revise plans, identifying BAP priorities, a process which may necessitate seeking external guidance. Conduct audits/surveys of BAP priorities (local communities may be able to help)
Advise managers of adjacent areas:
Key points:
I hope that this article goes some way towards making BAPs more relevant to countryside managers. I would be interested in hearing suggestions and personal experiences of practitioners.
Hugh Firman: Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland BAP Project Manager
Tel: 0116 270 2999
The Biodiversity Secretariat, part of DETR, maintains a database
of local BAPs which includes contact details of co-ordinators.
They can also be contacted by telephone on 0117 987 6276.
Tel: +44 (0)117-9878974
Fax: +44 (0)117-9878182
E-mail
Acknowledgements
The attendees of the CMA Midlands Region BAP training day provided positive
feedback, much of which has been incorporated in this article.