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Environmental Biodiversity
Lisa Herron - January 2008
lisa.herron@kirklees.gov.uk
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is short for 'biological diversity'. It refers to the variety of life on earth, from the largest mammals and biggest of trees, down to the smallest of plants and most microscopic of bacteria. Humans are part of this inter-dependent web of life.
The importance of Biodiversity
Wildlife and habitats are considered by many to be important in their own right and should be conserved. However, the way in which we all live also relies on maintaining a rich variety of wildlife and habitats.
We are dependent on the natural world for a number of reasons:
- Nature provides the food, medicines and materials that we use in our everyday lives.
- Thriving biodiversity enhances our quality of life and makes a healthy environment for humans.
- An environment rich in natural assets (such as bluebell woods, clean rivers and street trees) is an important part of a healthy economy. Most of us want to live and work in an attractive environment and will pay a premium to do so.
- Areas rich in wildlife, like the Pennine Hills, attract visitors for relaxation, recuperation and recreation. Visitors to Kirklees bring in almost £150 million per year.
Kirklees Biodiversity Action Plan
The Kirklees Biodiversity Action Plan identifies 14 priority habitats and 8 priority species. This list helps with targeting local resources, because it shows us which species and habitats need our support.
Priority Habitats
- Blanket Bog
- Upland Heath
- Upland Oak Woodland
- Upland Mixed Ash Woodland
- Ancient Woodland
- Lowland Acid Grassland
- Species-rich Hedgerows
- Species-rich Grassland (Hay Meadows)
- Lowland Heath
- Reedbed
- Cereal Field Margins
- Scrubland
- Semi Natural Grassland
- Riverside Habitats
Priority Species
- Water Vole
- Floating Water Plantain
- White-clawed Crayfish
- Pillwort (a type of fern) *extinct from Kirklees
- Great-crested Newt
- Marsh Helleborine (a type of flower)
- Northern Wood Ant
Download the summary of the Kirklees Biodiversity Action Plan (PDF 2.2Mb).
Please note - the full document is available upon request - Please call 01484 223568 for your copy.
Current biodiversity projects
The River Calder Biodiversity Project is a new partnership project with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust which will produce real benefits for biodiversity at 3 sites in Kirklees. Over £33, 000 is being spent creating new wetland and ponds at Dogley nature reserve near Kirkburton, Calder and Hebble navigation near Dewsbury, and on managing woodland at Colnebridge/Dalton Bank near Huddersfield.
For further information on this project, visit the project website.
Role of Kirklees Council Environment Unit
The Environment Unit is responsible for developing and implementating the Biodiversity Action Plan for Kirklees. We work out what should be a part of the plan, then make sure that the necessary work is carried out. Our role involves:
- Co-ordinating the Biodiversity Steering Group and Habitat and Species Working Group.
- Collecting information to assess the current state of wildlife and habitats.
- Updating the Biodiversity Action Plan and sharing it with key organisations and agencies.
- Using computer-based mapping to record all priority habitats and actively managed sites.
- Producing guidance on how to manage priority habitats.
- Raising awareness of biodiversity throughout Kirklees district.
The Council works in partnership with many other groups and organisations in the district. These include: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Environment Alliance, BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers), Denby Dale Parish Environment Trust, the Farmers and Wildlife Advisory Group, the Environment Agency and many community based groups across Kirklees.
For further information on Biodiversity and Greenspace protection in Kirklees please contact:
Jeff Keenlyside - Biodiversity Co-ordinator
Kirklees Council Environment Unit
23 Estate Buildings
Railway Street
Huddersfield
HD1 1JY
Telephone 01484 223568
jeff.keenlyside@kirklees.gov.uk
Simon Pedley - Countryside Officer
Kirklees Council Countryside Unit
Stadium Way
Huddersfield
HD1 6PG
Telephone 01484 234073
simon.pedley@kirklees.gov.uk
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