Biodiversity nature conservation & planning guidance
Summary
Issues relating to biodiversity in South Norfolk are dealt with in the Countryside Team. Biodiversity is the variety of life, and Geodiversity is the variety of geology and geomorphology in the landscape.
From here you can also download planning guidance related to biodiversity. The guidance emphasises the importance of adopting a positive approach to biodiversity protection and enhancement, and includes the key considerations relating to wildlife and biodiversity that should be taken into account in all development proposals.
Downloads
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Download the Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Guidance for Norfolk [PDF, 2322 Kb]
Further information
Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan
By part-funding the post of the Norfolk Biodiversity Coordinator, involvement in the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership, and through influencing the regimes on land that we own and manage, we intend to help in the implementation of those aspects of the Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan that can be applied to South Norfolk.
Habitats in South Norfolk
South Norfolk is fortunate to have within it a wide diversity of interesting and important habitats. From the Brecks in the west, the Waveney valley on the southern border with its Valley fens and wetlands, the Southern Broads in the east, the urban fringe of Norwich to the north, and throughout the centre of the district the South Norfolk Claylands with hedgerows, open commons and ponds.
The district is peppered with Sites of Special Scientific Interest, ancient woodlands and local nature reserves, as well as a section of the Broads National Park.
Biodiversity projects
We play a full and active role in the multi-agency Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership. As part of this body we contribute to the Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan, targeting species and habitats that most benefit from the work it is able to undertake.
We are also involved in the Transnational Ecological Network Project, where it is working with regional and European partners to make a positive contribution to wetland management and recreation in East Anglia, the Netherlands, and Germany.
It has also adopted the Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Guidance developed by the partnership to assist planners when assessing the implications for biodiversity from various forms of new development. You can download a copy of this by following the link under 'Downloads' above.
Help & funding with biodiversity issues
We wish to continue contributing to the Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan, help individual parishes to assess their wildlife resource, and advise on positive management through the South Norfolk Claylands project.
Where we are able, we want to help landowners and farmers source funding to make the best possible provision for wildlife on their land. We would also like to see increasing attention brought to the importance of Geo-diversity as an aspect of the natural world.
Geodiversity
Geodiversity contributes to our quality of life in many ways. Throughout human history, geological features have been admired as having both spiritual and cultural significance, as well as, in recent times, providing an attraction for large numbers of visitors, or as the subject of private collections such as fossils.
The study of Geodiversity in all its forms allows us to understand evolution more fully.
Commercial extraction of minerals for building materials and industry contribute to the economic prosperity of regions and countries.
Natural geological and geomorphologic systems contribute to a number of essential services, such as water supply, but also create the foundations for the many and varied habitats that in turn give rise to the biodiversity of the world.
Related pages on this website
External links
Natural England
Natural England has been formed by uniting English Nature with the landscape, access and recreation elements of the Countryside Agency, and the environmental land management functions of the Rural Development Service.
Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. It also promotes access, recreation and public well-being, as well as contributing to sustainable natural resources management.
Norfolk Biodiversity
This website explains Norfolk's Biodiversity Action Plan and also has information on wildlife sites in Norfolk, biodiversity planning guidance, how to make your garden wildlife-friendly, biodiversity in schools and general biodiversity news.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Provides information including Norfolk's nature reserves, protecting wildlife and wildlife education programmes.
Transnational Ecological Network (TEN)
TEN is an ecological network that connects important wetland nature areas in the North Sea area. Its website describes the work it promotes including the development of rural areas and management of water quality and water catchments.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB): wildlife-friendly gardening
Tips and advice on creating a wildlife-friendly garden.
Natural England: Nature in the Garden
More advice on gardening for wildlife, from English Nature.
Planning guidance for protected species
The following documents have been produced by Natural England and can be downloaded from their website. Each gives specific guidance on planning for protected species.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Countryside and Heritage Manager |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | Countryside@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533945 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us.
