The word biodiversity describes all of the different varieties of living things on our world, including microbes, plants, animals, their ecosystems, habitats and landscapes. Because all living organisms are interdependent, it is vitally important that we protect and maintain the diversity of our environment. One of the biggest issues for us today is how to conserve the diversity of wildlife in the face of continued pressure from people, whose needs and demands are constantly growing.
Wigan has its own distinctive biodiversity based on plant and animal communities that have developed and adapted to local habitat types, including acidic grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, remnant heath, mosslands and river and canal corridors. The Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (external link) have jointly produced a Biodiversity Strategy (.pdf, 49Kb) to protect and enhance Wigan's Biodiversity.
What are Biodiversity Action Plans
Wigan’s Biodiversity Action Plans, or BAPs as they are more commonly known, present a positive and clear way forward to conserving our local wildlife. As the title suggests, these reflect the biodiversity of local areas and require the active involvement of local communities. They provide targets and actions that work towards both species and habitat conservation.
Biodiversity Action Plans
How do I help protect local biodiversity?
There are lots of small things that we can do as individuals that can really make a difference. Providing opportunities for birds to feed or nest is a good start and features such as ponds, bat boxes and compost heaps will provide opportunities for a range of wildlife. A series of guides have been produced free of charge by English Nature (external link). They cover a whole range of species including amphibians, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, minibeasts and reptiles.
How can I get involved?
There are a number of local organisations that are involved in projects across the borough including BTCV, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Groundwork Wigan and Chorley. Please contact the council's ecologist for further information.
