Falkirk Area Biodiversity Action Plan 2011-2014 A NEFORA' If you would like this information in another language, Braille, LARGE PRINT or audio, please call 01324 504863. For more information about this plan and how to get involved in local action for biodiversity contact: The Biodiversity Officer, Falkirk Council, Abbotsford House, David’s Loan, Falkirk FK2 7YZ E-mail:
[email protected] www.falkirk.gov.uk/biodiversity Biodiversity is the variety of life. Biodiversity includes the whole range of life - mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, plants, trees, fungi and micro-organisms. It includes both common and rare species as well as the genetic diversity within species. Biodiversity also refers to the habitats and ecosystems that support these species. Biodiversity in the Falkirk area includes familiar landscapes such as farmland, woodland, heath, rivers, and estuary, as well as being found in more obscure places such as the bark of a tree, the roof of a house and the land beneath our feet. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in our lives. A healthy and diverse natural environment is vital to our economic, social and spiritual well being, both now and in the future. The last 100 years have seen considerable declines in the numbers and health of many of our wild plants, animals and habitats as human activities place ever-increasing demands on our natural resources. We have a shared responsibility to conserve and enhance our local biodiversity for the good of current and future generations. For more information