The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) offers an in-depth insight into the surprising wealth of flowers and animals to be found across Waltham Forest, from back gardens and cemeteries to woodlands, marshes, streams and rivers. Many residents will doubtless be surprised to learn that alongside the ever-present pigeons, the borough is home to a startling array of wildlife, including skylarks, tawny owls, green woodpeckers, water voles, slow-worms, pipistrelle bats and great crested newts.
The BAP not only identifies the plants, animals and their various habitats, but also sets out plans for how they can be preserved and nurtured for future generations. It acknowledges the pressures of housing and development as well as wider issues such as climate change.
Given the fact that more than 100 species of plants and animals vanished in the twentieth century and many others saw their numbers drop significantly it is perhaps more important than ever before to boost our awareness of local biodiversity and make sure we are doing all we can to preserve it.
The document was formed with input from conservation organisations, countryside staff, friends groups, council employees and voluntary organisations and sets out a number of objectives for the future. These include not only protecting wildlife and habitats but also proposals to work with developers and landowners; ensuring biodiversity is considered when the Council deals with its own land and encouraging people living or working in Waltham Forest to get more involved with their natural surroundings.
» View the Biodiversity Action Plan (5MB PDF file) adopted July 2011
Contact us
Green Space Service
Environment and Regeneration
Low
Hall
Argall Avenue
London
E10 7AS
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
