Delivery of the Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan through
partnership
Members of the Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership work together
to:
- Provide a reliable database of ecological data on species and
habitats which can be used to inform conservation decisions
(Suffolk Biological Records Office).
- Implement practical, county-wide, Biodiversity Action Plans
with targets that contribute to national goals.
- Co-ordinate effective, practical projects in Suffolk that
deliver tangible gains for biodiversity.
- Raise awareness of the range of biodiversity in Suffolk and
threats to species and habitats.
- Influence local government decisions to ensure biodiversity is
protected and enhanced through planning, economic and social
strategies e.g. Local Development Frameworks.
Structure of the Partnership
Partnership working is crucial to the success of delivering the
Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan. A wide range of partners are
involved, including Natural England, Suffolk County Council,
Suffolk Biological Records Centre, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, District
and Borough Councils, Environment Agency, Farming and Wildlife
Advisory Group, the Countryside Projects and AONBs, Royal Society
for the Protection of Birds and the Forestry Commission.
The work of the partnership is guided by a Steering Group which
meets twice a year. The steering group aims to:
- Monitor the success of the Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan and
progress towards targets.
- Provide support to the five Habitat Working Groups, for example
good practice guidance and networking facilities.
- Promote public interest in biodiversity, for example by
convening an annual biodiversity conference.
In addition, five Habitat Working Groups focus on particular
habitats and relevant species: Woodland, Coastal, Heathland,
Farming and Wetlands. The role of these groups is to:
- Provide an information network for key organisations.
- Maintain a link with national lead partners.
- Produce new action plans and revise existing ones.
- Initiate projects that will deliver priority targets.
- Review progress in particular action plans.
- Report to the Biodiversity Partnership Steering
Group.
The Biodiversity Officer is responsible for developing and
strengthening the partnership. This is achieved by supporting
partners in delivering the Biodiversity Action Plan, representing
Suffolk at a Regional and National level and responding to
consultations. The Officer also assists partners in monitoring
progress towards targets using a national database (Biodiversity
Action Reporting System), helps to source project funding and raise
awareness of biodiversity in Suffolk, for example by giving
presentations to parishes and schools.
New partners are always welcome! For further information about
our work, please contact the BAP Officer, Genevieve Broad (tel:
01473 264308, email
gen.broad@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk).