Our Biodiversity Duty

Complying with our Biodiversity Duty

The Environment Act 2021 amongst other things, sets out the key requirements for local authorities with regards to their Biodiversity Duty (how we should take care of nature). 

The action local authorities take will contribute to the achievement of national goals and targets on biodiversity. The Environmental Improvement Plan, published in January 2023, sets out government plans for significantly improving the natural environment.  These are -

By 2030, the government has committed to:

• halt the decline in species abundance
• protect 30% of UK land

By 2042, the government has committed to:

• increase species abundance by at least 10% from 2030, surpassing 2022 levels
• restore or create at least 500,000 hectares of wildlife rich habitats
• reduce the risk of species extinction
• restore 75% of our one million hectares of terrestrial and freshwater protected sites to favourable condition, securing their wildlife value for the long term

All Local Authorities in England must now publish what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.  This will be done by

• Acting to deliver policies and achieve objectives.
• Reconsidering actions at least every 5 years

South Ribble Borough Council published its first Biodiversity Strategy in July 2022, followed by a Biodiversity Action Plan in July 2023. 

We will report on the progress of our Biodiversity Action Plan annually to Council and formally publish our report to Government within 12 weeks of the January 2026 reporting deadline and thereafter at least every 5 years, in order to comply with our legal duty.