Email:  countryside@forest-heath.gov.uk     Tel: 01638 719214

Biodiversity is a word that is appearing everywhere. It comes from the words biological and diversity. It means very simply the whole variety of living things, all the different plant and animals and their habitats, which make up the world in which we live.

Forest Heath District is fortunate in having a very rich and unique combination of landscapes and habitats. These range from the Brecks, a mix of heath, forest and large sandy arable landscapes with distinctive Scots Pine belts in the centre, north and east of the area, to the dramatic open Fens to the west, plus the attractive rolling chalk and clay downland found in the south.  These landscapes include many rare and distinctive habitats from ancient woodland, wet woods, reedbeds, wildflower meadows, rivers, lakes, old orchards, water meadows, chalk grasslands and streams through to areas of heather and acid grassland.

Forest Heath District Council is well placed to take action independently and in partnership with local communities, landowners and other organisations in a variety of ways to protect and encourage the proactive management of biodiversity throughout the district.

The Government has formulated National Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPS) for key species and habitats that are either under threat or have shown dramatic declines over the last few years. It is now important that we formulate our own Local Biodiversity Plan to ensure that some of these national targets are contributed towards at a local level.

You can help us to protect Forest Heath's biodiversity. Contact us today on 01638 719261 to find out what you can take part in or for ideas on how you can act to support local wildlife and landscapes that make where you live special to you.