Biodiversity

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth – all plants and animals, the variety within species, and the habitats and ecosystems they depend on. It includes not just rare or threatened species, but also the wildlife we see every day in our gardens, parks, fields, rivers and streets.

Why biodiversity matters

Nature is important in its own right, but it also supports our health, wellbeing and economy. A healthy natural environment provides:

• Products such as food, timber, fibre and clean water
• Essential services like pollination, healthy soils, water purification and flood management
• Places to relax, learn and connect with nature, supporting physical and mental wellbeing

When nature is looked after and allowed time to thrive, these benefits are stronger and more reliable. Improving the quality of our local green spaces can cool our streets, reduce flood risk, improve air quality and make communities more attractive and enjoyable places to live.

Nature is in trouble

Nature and wildlife are declining at an alarming rate across the UK. The State of Nature report shows that:

• One in six species in Britain is at risk of extinction
• Wildlife populations studied have declined by an average of 19% since 1970
• Many important habitats are now in poor condition

The main causes include changes in farming practices (including pesticide and herbicide use), climate change, pollution, development and water abstraction. Other pressures include river modification, invasive non-native species, disease and land management practices.

The good news: local action works

Projects that restore habitats and support wildlife bring clear benefits for nature, people and the climate. Action at the local level is vital and even small changes can make a real difference when they are linked together across neighbourhoods and parishes.

Planting wildflowers on a verge, managing a churchyard for nature, or creating a pond all help build a connected network of habitats. Local action can also help make sure everyone, including people without access to private gardens, can enjoy nature close to home.

Policy context: why local action matters

Biodiversity duty

The Environment Act 2021 strengthened the biodiversity duty for all local authorities, including town and parish councils. This means they must:

• Consider biodiversity in their decisions and activities
• Set policies and objectives to conserve and enhance nature
• Take action to deliver real improvements

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS)

Local Nature Recovery Strategies are a new approach in England to restoring nature at a local level. They are led by local authorities and developed with communities, landowners, charities and environmental experts.

Each strategy:

• Identifies priorities for nature recovery
• Sets out practical actions to protect, restore and create habitats
• Helps guide planning decisions, funding and conservation work

LNRSs play an important role in tackling the nature and climate crises, while also supporting flood resilience, food security and community wellbeing.

Local nature action: how to get started

You don’t need to do everything at once. A simple five-step approach can help turn ideas into action:

1. Spot the opportunity
   Look at local green spaces, verges, ponds, churchyards or underused land.
2. Talk to people
   Involve parish or town councils, landowners, volunteers, schools and community groups early on.
3. Pick one project
   Start small and achievable — success builds confidence and momentum.
4. Get support
   Advice, toolkits, local networks and funding can help you plan and deliver your project.
5. Share your story
   Use newsletters, social media and events to celebrate success and inspire others.

Tip: Use the Local Nature Action Plan toolkit
The Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Local Nature Partnership (LNP) has created a step-by-step toolkit to help town and parish councils plan local nature projects. It’s a great starting point for turning ideas into action.

Practical project ideas

Simple, effective actions include:

• Creating wildflower areas in parks, churchyards, verges or school grounds
• Planting trees and hedgerows
• Restoring and managing hedgerows to support wildlife and connect habitats
• Creating or improving ponds, scrapes, rain gardens and other wet areas
• Installing bird boxes, bat boxes and insect hotels
• Reducing or stopping pesticide use at home or across community spaces
• Supporting hedgehog conservation, such as hedgehog highways or becoming a hedgehog-friendly parish
• Taking part in campaigns and citizen science, such as No Mow May, Big Garden Birdwatch or the Big Butterfly Count

Successful projects also think about long-term care. Simple changes to mowing, occasional checks and involving volunteers can help habitats thrive with little ongoing effort.

Where to get help and funding

Many organisations offer advice, training, practical support and funding to help local nature projects get started, from local councils and wildlife charities to national organisations and grant funders.

Key resources for planning and delivering projects include:

• Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull LNP: Local Nature Action Plan (LNAP) toolkit – step-by-step guidance on building partnerships, engaging stakeholders, managing land, and creating a local biodiversity plan.
• South Gloucestershire Council: Local Nature Action Plan Field Guide – detailed advice on habitat management, reducing pollution, and increasing food and water sources for wildlife.

We’ve also compiled advice, local networks, funding opportunities, and citizen science projects in our downloadable Biodiversity in Action: Support and Funding Guide.

Take the next step

Whether you’re an individual, part of a community group, or a town or parish council, you can play a part in nature recovery. Start small, work together and build on success — every action helps create healthier, more connected places for wildlife and people.