Why is the Northamptonshire BAP relevant? Carl Simms Senior Environmental Planner Northamptonshire County Council It just is !!!

Where has BAP come from? June 1992 – Rio Convention on Biological Diversity 1994 – Launch of UK Biodiversity Action Plan UK Biodiversity Steering Group – priority habitats and species for action Local BAP - prioritise actions locally

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Habitats Directive –Protect our most important designated sites, species and habitats Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 –Better protection of SSSIs and protected species and habitats. Government duty to protect biodiversity

NERC Duty Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act raise the profile of biodiversity Every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity Extends the CROW duty to all public bodies

Who does it apply to Local authorities – unitary, county, district, metropolitan, parish and town councils Central Government departments Departmental executive agencies Government offices Non-Ministerial government departments Non-departmental public bodies NHS Trusts Regional assemblies Utility companies Police Fire Prisons Museums Schools Higher education institutions

PPS 9 & PPS 12 RSS – include targets for restoration of priority habitats LDF – consistent with local biodiversity priorities and objectives (the LBAP) Conserve habitats identified in the CROW Act

Once it has gone its gone Hard to get it back LBAP helps identify what is left Where it can be created and where it can be enhanced Seek advice if needed