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Biodiversity is found throughout the borough but is mainly concentrated in designated sites, including Sites of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) , Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Nature Conservation Value (SNCI). These have varying levels of protection from different legislation sources. Biodiversity outside of protected areas may also be protected, particularly through Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP) and legislation protecting specific species. In Surrey there are ten key habitat types, one of which is urban areas and includes important invertebrate species typically found on derelict previously developed land sites. Have a look at Your Runnymede to see what you can do to enhance the biodiversity in the Borough. Runnymede objectives and indicators Runnymede's sustainability objective is to conserve and enhance the borough's biodiversity. The borough has five SSSI's, with a below target habitat condition of 48%, compared to 67% for the UK. There are 42 SNCI's in the borough covering 824 hectares of land and 31km of waterways, and two Local Nature Reserves of 36 hectares. Map 2.1 shows the major nature conservation sites in the borough. Runnymede has 304 hectares of ancient woodland, though its condition has not be surveyed. Of the Council owned open spaces, six of them have management plans that focus on delivering nature conservation goals. Runnymede actions The Council contributes to this sustainability objective through an environment policy, through ensuring planning policies in the new Local Development Framework cover biodiversity issues and through developing conversation based management plans for suitable Council owned open spaces. |
Related Organisations Surrey Wildlife Trust is part of the Surrey Biodiversity Partnership that has developed a biodiversity action plan for Surrey. They are also responsible for designating SNCI's. English Nature monitor the number and condition of SSSI's along with a wealth of other information on biodiversity issues. |
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