Camden biodiversity action plan

Working for wildlife and people: a review of Camden’s biodiversity action plan

The Camden Biodiversity Partnership is developing its second action plan. Your can help bring nature into the borough and shape the future for Camden’s wildlife. So whether it’s greening your home, neighbourhood, school or park with wildlife in mind, we’d like to hear from you.

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) identifies priority habitats and species for local action. The habitats an species are grouped as follows;

Grasslands and heath

• To retain, improve the condition of, and increase our areas of lowland meadows, acid grasslands, and heath.
• To develop an appreciation of their ecological value within the urban setting.
• To actively involve Camden’s community in their conservation.

Parks, gardens and open spaces

• To implement good conservation practice to enhance parks and green spaces for nature, respecting their varied functions and the aspirations of users.
• To encourage improvement of private gardens as habitat for a range of wildlife.
• To raise awareness of the importance of gardens, parks and open spaces in the conservation of Camden’s biodiversity.

The built environment

• To enhance the built environment for biodiversity and improve ecological connectivity within the urban landscape.
• To encourage planners, developers and building owners to design for biodiversity and install features beneficial to wildlife.
• To raise awareness of the contribution the elements of the built environment e.g. buildings, bridges, cemeteries, railsides, wasteland, provide for biodiversity.

Waterways and wetlands

• To ensure protection, enhancement and optimal management of waterways and wetlands for the benefit of biodiversity and contribute to Camden’s sustainability and quality of life.
• To create new waterways and wetland habitat in the borough.
• To increase and promote our knowledge and understanding of the ecological value of waterways and wetland habitats and encourage their sustainable use.

Woodland, hedgerows and trees

• To safeguard, and improve the management of existing woodland, hedgerows and trees in appropriate locations for the benefit of biodiversity and contribute to Camden’s sustainability and quality of life.
• To create new areas of UK BAP woodland habitat in the borough.
• To promote and improve the enjoyment, access and use of Camden’s woodlands, hedgerows and trees.
• To increase the sustainable economic use of woodland in Camden.

Bats (all species) species action plan

• To identify the status and distribution of the bat species present in Camden
• To provide opportunities for roosting and foraging through sympathetic management of our landholdings and our sphere of influence.
• To increase awareness of bats and their importance.

You find more details of the biodiversity action plan

How do I get involved and who do I contact?

The most exciting part of the Biodiversity Action Plan is making the actions happen. This is where local residents, schools, companies and local groups can really make a difference.

Many of the actions for the habitats and species are practical projects that you can take part in. Some examples include bat surveys, bird surveys, making nest boxes, practical conservation work on local sites, taking part in the many events that will be taking place, planting hedgerows and building ponds.

Do it yourself

Alternatively you might want to do things yourself. Here are some suggestions:

• come along to some of the events
• plant up your garden, balcony or window box for wildlife
• take part in the London-wide and national wildlife surveys on the web
• put up nest boxes at home, work or school
• join a local conservation or wildlife group
• set up a local group in your street or estate to support your local open greenspace
• spread the word to others about how valuable our biodiversity is
• encourage your employer to have window boxes, nest boxes or areas of their grounds managed for wildlife
• keep your own records of wildlife and habitats you see about the borough and tell other people what you find

Get in touch

You can get in touch with any of biodiversity action plan partners

Contact

If you would like to comment on the biodiversity action plan please contact the biodiversity partnership