Lancashire Action

Landscape and Habitat Quality, and Species Diversity

The UK BAP steering group encouraged the production of Local Biodiversity Action Plans as a means of implementing the National Plan. This resulted in the formation of a Lancashire BAP , which is addressing the problems of species extinction and habitat destruction in Lancashire.

The aim of the Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan is to:

• Maintain present species and habitats in the county
• Enhance those habitats and populations that have become degraded
• Where possible, develop new habitats characteristic of the county.

The Lancashire BAP led to the production of 10 habitat plans and 29 species plans.

Conservation of particular habitats is frequently best achieved by their identification as statutory or non-statutory wildlife sites that receive appropriate management. In Lancashire, 42,429 ha have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) (this covers 13% of the county). These help to ensure that the habitats are preserved and appropriately managed.

A number of sites have been designated as Biological Heritage Sites (BHS). These are non-statutory wildlife sites, many of which provide a refuge for rare and threatened plants and animals. These sites are important in the conservation of biological richness of Lancashire. There are over 1100 Biological heritage sites in Lancashire covering 8% of the county area or 25,000 ha.

In addition to this, large areas of Lancashire are also protected through their classification as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB’s) for example the Forest of Bowland and the Arnside and Silverdale AONB’s.

Sustainable Rural Land Management

A number of initiatives have been set up in Lancashire to improve sustainable rural land management.

Rural Futures was established in 1999, with the aim to deliver sustainable economic and environmental benefits to rural Lancashire. It assists rural businesses to develop new opportunities in community, business and environmental projects. Lancashire County Council supports Rural Futures, and employs ecological advisors to assist in its implementation. The advisers provide farmers and landowners with information about wildlife habitats and species; offer advice on land management and grant applications; and undertake surveys to identify and monitor valuable wildlife habitats and species. The widening role of agri-environment schemes should aid this process.

The Lancashire Rural Recovery Action Plan (LRRAP) is a 5-year programme, which aims to ‘aid the regeneration and sustainable development of the rural economy across Lancashire’ . The programme began in 2003 and has achieved over £7 million of funding to improve sustainability in rural Lancashire. The main source of funding is the North West Regional Development Agency (until 2008).

Lancashire Rural Pathfinder is an organisation that aims to ‘work towards a dynamic rural economy for Lancashire which is financially, socially, and environmentally sustainable’.

Coastal Environment

The North West Coastal Forum was launched in 2000 and was the first of its kind in England. It is a multi-agency partnership bringing together stakeholders from the public, private and voluntary sectors working to promote and deliver integrated management for our coastal areas to ensure their long-term sustainability. The NWCF was commended as a model of good practice.

The North West Bathing Forum has also been developed to bring together a strong partnership of organisations dedicated to ensuring our bathing waters meet the terms of the EC Bathing Water Directive. This has been relatively successful, as the quality of coastal waters in the region is improving.

The Townscape and Historic Environment

It is important to ensure that measures are in place to protect and enhance Lancashire’s historic environment. This includes protecting listed buildings, making sure information is available about the local historic environment, and also promoting local distinctiveness.

Lancashire County Archaeological Service and West Lancashire District Council have a range of resources providing information on the historic environment, and are responsible for maintaining lists and files related to listed buildings, and buildings of local interest.

A Traditional Features Grant Scheme is available from West Lancashire District Council, which aims to support works to repair and replace traditional features in certain conservation areas.