Biodiversity Duty

As a local council, we must consider how our work can conserve and enhance biodiversity. This duty comes from the Environment Act 2021 and applies to all public authorities, including local authorities and local planning authorities.

This means we must:

• Think carefully about what actions we can take to improve biodiversity.
• Set clear policies and objectives based on this.
• Take real, practical steps to deliver these objectives.

Local authorities (excluding parish councils) must publish a biodiversity report showing what actions we’ve taken and how we plan to meet our duty. You can read our report and action plan in the download panel below.

Over the next five years, we will continue to build on this work to protect and improve local nature. Our aim is to help wildlife thrive, support nature recovery, and create a greener, healthier, and more resilient borough for everyone.