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Biodiversity Net Gain for Yorkshire’s Councils
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The Concept of Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a groundbreaking environmental approach designed so that development projects in Yorkshire enhance the natural world. The concept’s aim is to leave ecosystems in a demonstrably better condition post-development. Key aspects include:
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Creating or restoring habitats to offset biodiversity losses, potentially resulting in more ecologically valuable areas.
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Improving natural ecosystems through strategic planning and ongoing stewardship.
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Fostering sustainable growth that harmonises economic development with environmental conservation.
BNG goes beyond mere damage control, striving to make meaningful, positive impacts on Yorkshire's biodiversity and habitat preservation.
Yorkshire Compliance With BNG
The Yorkshire Plan
Yorkshire boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity, encompassing diverse ecosystems from the Yorkshire Dales to the North York Moors. The region is home to thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are integral to Yorkshire's unique natural heritage.
In line with the UK Government's Environment Act 2021, which mandates a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement for all new developments, Yorkshire has embraced a strategic framework emphasising sustainable growth and environmental enhancement
Complementing the BNG strategy, Yorkshire's local authorities and major stakeholders have initiated significant efforts to restore and enhance biodiversity across the region. These initiatives align with broader environmental strategies and include:
Conducting comprehensive baseline assessments of biodiversity before development, using the statutory biodiversity metric to quantify biodiversity units.
Creating new habitat areas and enhancing existing ones to achieve a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity units post-development.
Implementing long-term management plans to maintain these habitats for at least 30 years, often secured through legal agreements.
Incorporating wildlife-friendly features in new developments, such as green roofs, native planting, and habitat corridors.
Fostering collaboration between Local Planning Authorities, developers, landowners, and environmental specialists to ensure successful BNG implementation.
Major regional utility Yorkshire Water has integrated BNG into its capital investment processes, developing an in-house framework to assess and mitigate environmental impacts. It’s an approach that demonstrates the region's commitment to balancing development needs with biodiversity conservation.
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What Are Yorkshire’s Councils Doing for Biodiversity?
Yorkshire's councils are at the forefront of biodiversity conservation and implementing a range of initiatives guided by local and national environmental strategies.
Priority Habitats and Species
Yorkshire's environmental plans set ambitious targets for creating and enhancing habitat areas, with policies to safeguard wildlife sites. New developments across the region must incorporate biodiversity-friendly features to guarantee ongoing support for local ecosystems.
Yorkshire councils are developing Local Nature Recovery Strategies as mandated by the Environment Act 2021. These strategies aim to improve the quality, extent, and connectivity of existing wildlife spaces, identifying opportunities for expansion across Yorkshire's diverse landscapes.
Rewilding efforts in Yorkshire focus on conserving and enhancing the region's network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Local Wildlife Sites. These areas, covering a significant portion of Yorkshire, are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and include varied habitats such as moorlands, wetlands, ancient woodlands, and coastal areas. Councils work collaboratively with landowners and conservation organisations to manage these sites effectively.
Examples of Council Initiatives
North Yorkshire Council: Manages special verges for wildflowers and bees, protecting over 750 important conservation sites including ancient woodlands.
Leeds City Council: Implements updated biodiversity strategies, focusing on habitat protection and creation of new green spaces in urban areas.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council: Enforces Biodiversity Net Gain principles, requiring developers to enhance wildlife habitats and achieve 10% biodiversity improvement in projects.
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BNG for all Yorkshire Councils
Biodiversity Net Gain is a region-wide commitment, with all of Yorkshire's councils playing a role. Here's a list of Yorkshire's councils committed to enhancing biodiversity through BNG:
North Yorkshire Council
City of York Council
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Hull City Council
Leeds City Council
Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Calderdale Council
Kirklees Council
Wakefield Council
Sheffield City Council
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
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