Biodiversity Policy
Biodiversity Policy – Mareham le Fen Parish Council
In accordance with the Duty imposed on parish councils by Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006, Mareham le Fen Parish Council will in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.
Biodiversity means the variety of life around us and includes every species of plant and animal, the genetic material that makes them what they are, and the communities that they form. Biodiversity is essential to sustaining the living networks, or ‘ecosystems’, that provide us all with health, wealth, food, fuel and the vital services our lives depend on. It is a core component of sustainable development, underpinning economic development and prosperity.
The Parish Council, when commenting on planning applications, will support site and building design that benefits biodiversity through the conservation and integration of existing habitats or provision of new habitats. It will support protection of sensitive habitats from development and will consider whether the development would mean the loss of important habitats for wildlife in respect of all applications.
The Parish Council will, while balancing the needs of the community for maintained areas of land, conserve the biodiversity of the land it manages. It will adopt beneficial practices with regarding to cutting and removal of vegetation, application of chemicals and timing of maintenance work. Special care will be taken in the specification of grounds maintenance contracts to ensure that the work, whilst reaching acceptable standards, does not harm the natural environment.
Mareham le Fen Parish Council undertakes to work in partnership with other organisations to protect, promote and enhance biodiversity within areas of the parish.
The Parish Council will, wherever possible, raise public awareness of biodiversity issues. It will, where feasible, involve the community in biodiversity projects on its land including for example tree planting, wild flower areas, birdbox making and encouraging the development of gardens and other areas. The Parish Council will communicate information and raise awareness of biodiversity through its website and social media.
Policy Approved: 21st February 2024 Due for Review: February 2026