Biodiversity Strategy 2005 draft Executive Summary Introduction The word biodiversity comes from the phrase ‘biological diversity’. In its simplest term biodiversity means the whole variety of life on Earth. It includes all plants and animals, their habitats and the factors that link them to each other and their surroundings. It is not restricted to rare or threatened species and habitats but includes the whole of the natural world from the commonplace to the critically endangered. We all have a part to play in safeguarding the In the UK it was identified that a strategic Earth’s biodiversity. Therefore action needs to be approach was needed to halt the loss of taken, at both a local and global level, before our biodiversity. Therefore in 1994 the UK Biodiversity biodiversity disappears for good. The benefits Action Plan was produced which detailed the of biodiversity are endless, but include: UK’s commitment to biodiversity and how it should be delivered. The Greater Manchester Learning about and enjoying the wildlife Biodiversity Action Plan (2003) followed on of Manchester. This makes an important which focused the aims of the UK Biodiversity contribution to our quality of life, health Action Plan at a Greater Manchester level. and spiritual well being. Plants, animals and habitats enrich our From the Greater Manchester Biodiversity everyday lives as they produce the Action Plan (GMBAP) it became apparent that necessary ingredients for all life to exist. there was a need for a strategy to focus at the Without conserving biodiversity, we will city of Manchester level, detailing the habitats pass to our successors a planet that is and species present along with identifying markedly poorer than the one we were the specific priorities for Manchester. privileged to inherit. Therefore we have a duty and a role to play to ensure that The flow chart below outlines how the the Earth and its environment are Manchester Biodiversity Strategy fits in protected for generations to come. with the national biodiversity framework. Conserving biodiversity creates new It is important for a Manchester specific employment from park wardens to document to be produced as it outlines habitat surveyors. the cities commitment to progress Increased biodiversity can raise biodiversity conservation locally, and environmental awareness in local also focuses on what is important and communities, as well as improving what are the priorities for biodiversity environmental credentials of public in Manchester. and private sector organisations. There are ethical grounds for conservation, as many people believe that every species is of value in its own right. Conserving and promoting biodiversity promotes the availability of natural sustainable resources. 1994 “Biodiversity: the UK Action Plan” The Manchester Biodiversity Strategy will serve as a focus This details the UK’s commitment to conserving for inspiring the people of Manchester to become more biodiversity and how nature conservation is to be delivered. responsible towards their local environment. As human’s activities can damage the environment and result in the loss 1999 “Wild about the North West of wildlife, we need to work hard to protect, conserve and - A Biodiversity Audit” enhance it. We also need to make sure that there is wildlife Produced by a partnership of organisations who make up in the city for future generations to enjoy. Our wildlife will the Regional Biodiversity Steering Group for North West be enhanced in a sustainable environment in which our England. This document outlines the habitats and species multi-cultural society lives and thrives. Wildlife provides of conservation concern in the North West region. opportunities to relax, learn an interest in nature, and to enjoy the outdoors. Manchester will be a poorer place 2000 “Part I - The Greater Manchester without its flora and fauna. Biodiversity Audit” Published by the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit. The Biodiversity Strategy will also contribute to the This is a collation of information detailing habitats and sustainable development of Manchester and the protection species recorded in the Greater Manchester area. of our local biodiversity resource. The City of Manchester It also includes habitat and species statements that will, through this strategy, make its contribution to give some broad background to those BAP habitats the regional and national biodiversity resource. and species occurring in the area. Aims and Objectives of the Strategy 2003 “Part II - The Greater Manchester Manchester’s priorities for biodiversity should reach Biodiversity Action Plan” beyond Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Sites of Biological Published by a partnership of organisations and Importance, and Local Nature Reserves and include individuals. The Plan is a document that sets out common habitats and species as well as those that are rare. how we are going to conserve habitats and species in Greater Manchester. The aim of the Manchester Biodiversity Strategy is to: Conserve, protect and enhance biodiversity 2004 “Manchester Biodiversity Strategy” in the City for current and future generations The major threat to species in Manchester is loss of habitats; altering management to protect habitats The key objectives are to: will improve species abundance and diversity 1 To create a full species and habitat audit to Since species and habitats are affected by pollution establish a baseline of biodiversity in the city. they can also form a means of charting our progress 2 To use a best practice approach when in cleaning up the environment. Biological indicators managing for biodiversity. of pollution can be a useful, cost effective means 3 Promote biodiversity in Manchester. of monitoring our progress. 4 Promote biodiversity through environmental education. 5 Integrate biodiversity into the wider sustainable development agenda. Manchester Biodiversity Strategy 1.Introduction 1.1 What is biodiversity? 1.2 Why should biodiversity be protected? 1.3 UK commitment to biodiversity 2. Baseline Study of Habitats and Species 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Manchester Priority Habitat Survey 2.3 Manchester Priority Species 2.4 Issues Affecting Priority Habitats and Species 2.5 Problem Species 2.6 Control of Invasive Species 2.7 Special Sites in Manchester 2.8 Baseline Study Conclusions 3. Policy and Legislative Context 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Planning policy 3.3 Location Policy and Action for Biodiversity 3.4 Unitary Development Plan 3.5 The Manchester Community Strategy 2002-2012 3.6 Manchester Waterways Strategy 3.7 Parks for all Seasons - A Parks Strategy for Manchester 2003 3.8 Parks Best Value Review 2003 - Final Report 3.9 Manchester Leisure Greenspace Management Strategy 2003 3.10 Legislation relating to Biodiversity and its relevance to Manchester 3.11 Funding Opportunities 4. Current work in Manchester to Improve Biodiversity 8. Appendix 2 - Priority Species Audit 4.1 Introduction Great crested newt 4.1 Manchester Leisure Water vole 4.3 Environmental Strategy and Campaigns Team Brown hare 4.4 Mersey Valley Countryside Warden Service Pipistrelle bat 4.5 Red Rose Forest Skylark 4.6 HMG Paints, Collyhurst Linnet 4.7 City and Guilds NVQ Environmental Conservation Level 2 Training Reed bunting Spotted flycatcher 5. Good Practise examples for Biodiversity in the UK Tree sparrow Grey partridge 6. Aims and objectives Bullfinch Song thrush 6.1 Key Opportunities Floating water plantain 6.2 Discussion of key opportunities Grass-wrack pondweed 6.3 Special projects 6.4 Aims and Objectives Appendix 3 - Problem Species 6.5 Manchester’s Commitment to Biodiversity Conservation Himalayan balsam 7. Action Plan Summary Table Japanese knotweed Appendix 1 - Priority Habitat Audit Giant hogweed Rhododendron Lowland Broadleaved Woodland Australian swamp stonecrop Acid Grassland Grey squirrel Ancient and/or Species-rich Hedgerow American mink Wet Woodland Canada goose Lowland Heathland Terrapin Reedbed Herring gull Unimproved Neutral Grassland Feral pigeon (includes lowland meadows) Marshy Grassland Glossary Managed Greenspace Canals Abbreviations Ponds and Lodges 1. Introduction 1.1 What is biodiversity? 1.2 Why should biodiversity be protected? The word biodiversity was first used by the ecologist There are environmental, quality of life, health and moral E. O. Wilson and comes from the phrase ‘biological reasons for protecting biodiversity. diversity’. In its simplest terms biodiversity means the whole variety of life on Earth. The benefits of biodiversity are endless, but include: It includes all plants and animals, their habitats and the Learning about and enjoying the wildlife of Manchester. factors that link them to each other and their surroundings This makes an important contribution to our quality It is not restricted to rare or threatened species and of life, health and spiritual well being. habitats but includes the whole of the natural worl Plants, animals and habitats enrich our everyday lives as from the commonplace to the critically endangered. they produce the necessary ingredients for all life to exist. Without conserving biodiversity, we will pass to our There are three distinct levels of biodiversity: successors a planet that is markedly poorer than the one we were privileged to inherit. Therefore we have a Genetic duty and a role to play to ensure that the Earth and its - Variation between individuals of the same environment are protected for generations to come. species e.g. the tree and house sparrow. Conserving biodiversity creates new employment