Biodiversity Action Plans
|
Campaigns |
 |
|
Hounslow BAP |
What are Biodiversity Action Plans ?
The boroughs in West London have all had nature conservation policies and activity for many years. However, there has been a lack of any coherent strategy or framework for conservation. This issue was recognised as a general one by both central government and non-governmental organisations. As a result, the concept of 'Biodiversity Action Plans', or BAPs, was developed. There is a BAP for London and it is the intent that there should be one for each borough.
Instead of just vague statements of intent or desired outcomes, BAPs contain plans to protect and enhance specific habitats and species. These are called 'Habitat Action Plans' and 'Species Action Plans'. The status of the habitat or species in question is first examined, together with issues and threats affecting it. A series of actions, specifying the lead party and a timescale, is then listed.
It was recognised fron the outset that if BAPs were going to be produced and be effective, they would need the involvement and commitment of a range of organisations and individuals. It is therefore the norm that some group, such as a 'Biodiversity Partnership' is set up to promote and oversee the BAP. In practice, it has been found that at a borough level, the council normally has to take the lead. Volunteers, while often able to make a significant contribution, generally lack the 'clout' or resources to take the lead in producing BAPs.
How are BAPs progressing in West London?
We give below a brief review of progress in our West London boroughs. Such a review is inevitably a snapshot at a particular time (June 2004 at the time of the last update) and depends on what information has been received by us. So if we are not up to date in respect of your borough, let us know.
We have produced a tabulation of the 'Habitat Action Plans' (HAPs) and 'Species Action Plans' (SAPs) that are included in the various west London boroughs' BAPs. See HAPs and SAPs.
Brent
A BAP was adopted by the council in Jan 01 - see web site. (Go to "Brent's Biodiversity Action Plan" on left hand side). There is also printed version. There is a series of actions for various habitats, particular sites and one species, but there does not appear to be a full description and analysis to complement the actions.
Ealing
The borough of Ealing has a comprehensive BAP - see web site (PDF file from web site). This was prepared by the council with inputs from the voluntary sector and was issued in Dec 2001. There was no engagement by the council with the voluntary sector until Apr 04, but now a comprehensive review of the actions and the BAP content, in consultation with the voluntary sector, is being undertaken.
Hammersmith & Fulham
A draft BAP has been produced and was put out for consultation in Nov 03. See web site (lower left). Hammersmith & Fulham FOE has given detailed comments on the plan.
Harrow
There has been no progress in the borough of Harrow towards producing a BAP. There is a nature conservation strategy, but the council recognises that a BAP is needed. The impediments are lack of council resources and absence of a 'biodiversity partnership'.
Hillingdon
Some progress is being made on production of a BAP, but there do not appear to be any Habitat or Species Action Plans as yet. See web site.
Hounslow
The borough of Hounslow published its BAP in April 2003 - see web site (pdf file - 1 mbyte). A group has been set up by the council to monitor progress and review the BAP. The group includes Hounslow Friends of the Earth.
Kensington & Chelsea
The borough has an outline of a BAP -see web site - but the HAPs and SAPs have not yet been produced.
Kingston
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames has had a 'Biodiversity Partnership' for two years and the aim is to produce a BAP. Unfortunately the officer time allocated by the council is not sufficient to coordinate and pull together the BAP as one would wish.
Richmond
The borough of Richmond was in the vanguard of BAPs, having produced an outline as early as 2000. There are plans to produce HAPs and an SAP - see web site.
Westminster
A BAP was published in 2000. It is not on the council's web site, but a copy can be obtained by phoning Westminster council on 020 7641 8578.
London-wide
 |
|
London BAP |
A grouping of organisations called the 'London Biodiversity Patnership' (LBP) has produced a comprehensive BAP, together with a set of habitat and species 'audits'. These may be found on the LBP's web site. The habitat and species action plans have been used as model for many of the individual boroughs' plans.
What species and habitats are covered by the plans?
Each borough has selected its own range of plants, animals and habitats which it considers should have an 'Action Plan'. See tables in our habitats and species pages for the habitats and species for which plans have been published or are in course of preparation.