We are working to enhance the variety of plants and
animals - the biodiversity - in North
Somerset.
We co-ordinate the management of 13
local
nature reserves for you to visit and enjoy.
In partnership with other
organisations, we have a series
of local biodiversity action plans which
focus on species and habitats that are under threat in North
Somerset. They set targets to encourage the protection and
creation of important habitats.
The hedgerow network in North Somerset is particularly important
as the district is a stronghold for the rare Hazel dormouse and for
many species of rare
bats.
When hedgerows are managed to flower and fruit, they provide the
necessary food and cover for wildlife to travel between favourable
blocks of habitat, such as woodlands and wetlands. We have produced
a
good practice guide to hedgerow
management (pdf, Apr 11, 26KB) to explain the reasons
for sympathetic management of hedgerows to raise awareness with
landowners and land managers. Please contact
the Biodiversity
Officer if you are managing your hedgerow(s) to help
wildlife so that this information can be recorded for the
habitat action plan for hedgerows.
We have designated nearly 200 sites as having local
and regional wildlife importance. These sites are known as Local
Sites and many of them are privately owned.
We provide advice to help local people manage sites
for wildlife. We also advise on
planning applications,
identifying where important habitats or protected species may be
harmed. We make sure new developments enhance opportunities for
wildlife to survive.
We co-ordinate
the biodiversity action grant
scheme for landowners who are setting up projects
to conserve and enhance the diversity of local wildlife. Grants
are discretionary and subject to availability and demand.
For more information on wildlife conservation contact
our Ecologist or
Biodiversity officer or download our
service standards.
