The concept of biodiversity has been adopted by some governments, agencies and conservation bodies as a way of describing and measuring the general health of the environment.

The basic thinking is that the more species there are in a given piece of land or stretch of water the healthier the area is as a natural habitat. Also the greater the variety of habitats in any area of the earth’s surface then the better that area is environmentally, for human beings as well as other species.

The Biodiversity Duty, introduced by the 2006 Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, requires every public body to have regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity. Defra is doing a review of how public bodies (including local authorities like Barnsley MBC) have responded to the “duty” since 2006, and whether further action needs to be taken to ensure the objectives of the Act are being achieved. The review is due to be completed in November 2009.

The Barnsley Biodiversity Action Plan (BBAP) of 2002 was implemented by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council in partnership with the Barnsley Biodiversity Trust with £300,000 from the Big Lottery Fund. This first phase has now been concluded.

Preparation for the second phase (2008 to 2012) is now completed - details can be seen on the Barnsley Biodiversity Trust website at  www.barnsleybiodiversity.org.uk/index.html

Common Blue at Longfields, Darton