c0888 a4 artwork 96pp 30/3/05 13:35 Page 1 Biodiversity Strategy 2005 c0888 a4 artwork 96pp 30/3/05 13:35 Page 2 Executive Summary Biodiversity means the whole variety of life on Earth. The words biodiversity and Manchester may not appear synonymous but the strategy shows that in our urban habitats such as city parks there can be an enormous number of individual species. Changes in rural areas such as the intensification of agricultural practices has meant that urban spaces in Manchester are all the more valuable. In the UK since 1990 a range of plants, This strategy details the habitats and Enhancement to habitats and species can Manchester’s priorities for biodiversity should insects and mammals have become species in Manchester and determines take place at a local level while protection reach beyond Sites of Special Scientific Interest, extinct, some of these species are now the factors that can cause loss of our of biodiversity through development controls Sites of Biological Importance, and Local Nature globally extinct. The picture of species biodiversity. Factors such as pesticide requires a consistent citywide approach. Reserves and include common habitats and decline has begun to reverse in the last use, climate change, off road motorbiking There is evidence that shows the value of species as well as those that are rare. The aim thirty years and the bird population in the and invasive non-native species can biodiversity to Manchester residents however of the Manchester Biodiversity Strategy is to: UK is on the increase, although some all have an affect on Manchester’s factors such as community safety, access species like the sparrow are facing biodiversity. The action plan for this to jobs and good quality housing are all Conserve, protect and enhance biodiversity massive decline. strategy includes actions to address of a relative higher importance. in the City for current and future generations. these practical issues. Biodiversity cannot prejudice the regeneration The key objectives are to: The strategy has also determined of Manchester however regeneration does 1 To create a full species and habitat the educational and social value of not have to lead to the loss of biodiversity. audit to establish a baseline of biodiversity. Promotional work is a key The strategy explains that the hierarchy will be biodiversity in the city. objective of the strategy with milestones to protect on site where possible and if this 2 To use a best practice approach when set for an increase in the numbers of is not possible then either translocation of the managing for biodiversity. school grounds projects and community biodiversity or biodiversity replacement for 3 Promote biodiversity in Manchester. projects which support biodiversity. more common species. The strategy seeks 4 Promote biodiversity through to protect what we have and take practical environmental education. Local people will have the opportunity to action to increase that biodiversity. 5 Integrate biodiversity into the wider become involved in Manchester’s species sustainable development agenda. audits and awareness raising will take place in the forms of campaigns and the development of a website. c0888 a4 artwork 96pp 30/3/05 13:35 Page 4 Manchester Biodiversity Strategy 1. Introduction 4. Current work in Manchester Appendix 2 - Priority Species Audit to Improve Biodiversity 1.1 What is biodiversity? Great crested newt 1.2 Why should biodiversity be protected? 4.1 Introduction Water vole 1.3 UK commitment to biodiversity 4.2 Managing Parklands Brown hare 4.3 Environmental Campaigns Pipistrelle bat 2. Baseline Study of Habitats and Species 4.4 Mersey Valley Countryside Warden Service Skylark 4.5 Red Rose Forest Linnet 2.1 Introduction 4.6 HMG Paints, Collyhurst Reed bunting 2.2 Manchester Priority Habitat Survey 4.7 City and Guilds NVQ Environmental Spotted flycatcher 2.3 Manchester Priority Species Conservation Level 2 Training Tree sparrow 2.4 Issues Affecting Priority Habitats and Species 4.8 Green Streets Grey partridge 2.5 Climate Change Bullfinch 2.6 Problem Species 5. Good Practise examples Song thrush 2.7 Control of Invasive Species for Biodiversity in the UK Floating water plantain 2.8 Special Sites in Manchester Grass-wrack pondweed 2.9 Wildlife Corridors 6. Aims and objectives Manchester Poplar 2.10 Baseline Study Conclusions 6.1 Key Opportunities Appendix 3 - Problem Species 3. Policy and Legislative Context 6.2 Discussion of key opportunities 6.3 Special projects Himalayan balsam 3.1 Introduction 6.4 Aims and Objectives Japanese knotweed 3.2 Planning policy 6.5 Manchester’s Commitment Giant hogweed 3.3 Local Policy and Action for Biodiversity to Biodiversity Conservation Rhododendron 3.4 Unitary Development Plan Australian swamp stonecrop 3.5 The Manchester Community Strategy 2002-2012 7. Action Plan Summary Table Grey squirrel 3.6 Manchester Waterways Strategy 2003 American mink 3.7 Parks for all Seasons - A Parks Strategy Appendix 1 - Priority Habitat Audit Canada goose for Manchester 2003 Terrapin 3.8 Manchester Leisure Greenspace Lowland Broadleaved Woodland Herring gull Management Strategy 2003 Acid Grassland Feral pigeon 3.9 Legislation relating to Biodiversity Ancient and/or Species-rich Hedgerow and its relevance to Manchester Wet Woodland Appendix 4 - Consultation workshops 3.10 Funding Opportunities Lowland Heathland Reedbed Glossary Unimproved Neutral Grassland Marshy Grassland Abbreviations Managed Greenspace Canals Ponds and Lodges Rivers c0888 a4 artwork 96pp 30/3/05 13:35 Page 6 1. Introduction 1.1 What is biodiversity? 1.2 Why should biodiversity be protected? The word biodiversity was first used by the There are environmental, quality of life, health Species that have become extinct In December 2003 the Department for ecologist E. O. Wilson and comes from the phrase and moral reasons for protecting biodiversity. in the UK since 1900 include: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) ‘biological diversity’. In its simplest terms biodiversity published a report called ‘Working with the grain means the whole variety of life on Earth. The benefits of biodiversity are endless, Many branched stonewort (1915), of nature: a biodiversity strategy for England’. but include: endemic to UK so globally extinct The report suggests that wild bird populations It includes all plants and animals, their habitats Peach leaved bellflower (1949) in the UK have begun to stabilise after 20 years’ and the factors that link them to each other g Learning about and enjoying the wildlife Summer lady’s tresses orchid (1959) decline, with the population status of bird and their surroundings It is not restricted to rare of Manchester. This makes an important Irish saxifrage (1960) species 13% higher than it was in 1970. or threatened species and habitats but includes contribution to our quality of life, health Interrupted brome (1970), the whole of the natural world from the and spiritual well being. endemic to UK so globally extinct An example of this can be seen from the town commonplace to the critically endangered. g Plants, animals and habitats enrich our Exploding bombardier beetle (1928) and garden bird population, which based on everyday lives as they produce the necessary Dainty damselfly (1953) nine common garden species (including the robin, There are three distinct levels of biodiversity: ingredients for all life to exist. Aspen leaf beetle (1959) blackbird, blue tit and greenfinch) has seen an g Without conserving biodiversity, we will pass Burbot (a fish) (1972) increase of 10% in their numbers since 1979. g Genetic to our successors a planet that is markedly Ivell’s sea anemone (1983), - Variation between individuals of the same poorer than the one we were privileged to globally extinct This is obviously encouraging news as the wild species e.g. the tree and house sparrow. inherit. Therefore we have a duty and a role to Mouse eared bat (1990) bird populations are considered good indicators g Species play to ensure that the Earth and its environment Essex emerald moth (1991) of the broad state of biodiversity as they occupy - The number, types, and distribution are protected for generations to come. a wide range of habitats and tend to be near of species within their habitat(s). g Conserving biodiversity creates new the top of the food chain. g Ecosystem & habitats employment from park wardens to - The variety of habitats and communities of habitat surveyors. However there are still species in decline. different species that interlink with each other. g Increased biodiversity can raise environmental The sparrow and starling populations have awareness in local communities, as well as fallen by 60% across the UK since 1979. Biodiversity is the richness and variety of wildlife improving environmental credentials of public and habitats on Earth. Even in the twenty-first and private sector organisations. Biodiversity is vulnerable to change and the century the range of biodiversity is extraordinary. g There are ethical grounds for conservation, influencing factors on biodiversity need to be Biodiversity is not just restricted to rural as many people believe that every species determined. If we know the factors that influence environments, but occurs also in urban areas. is of value in its own right. biodiversity then we will be able to devise The words Manchester and biodiversity may not g Conserving and promoting biodiversity practical action to protect and improve species appear synonymous but in urban habitats such promotes the availability of natural