Bisley Parish Council
Biodiversity Policy
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The object of this policy is to work towards conserving and enhancing the biodiversity of the
Council’s area. The Full Council and any committees of the Council will consider sustainability,
environmental impact and biodiversity when making decisions and will develop and implement
policies and strategies as required. In particular, the Council will aim to improve the biodiversity of
the area in the following ways:
• consider the potential impact on biodiversity represented by planning applications.
• manage its land and property using environmentally friendly practices that will promote
biodiversity.
• support local businesses and council operations in the adoption of low impact / nature positive
practices.
• encourage and support other organisations within the parish / town to manage their areas of
responsibility with biodiversity in mind.
• support residents and local organisation activities to enhance and promote biodiversity.
ACTIONS
Planning applications
The Council will:
• when commenting on planning applications, support site and building design that benefits
biodiversity through the conservation and integration of existing habitats or provision of new
habitats.
• 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.
• consider what each proposed development might make in terms of biodiversity net gain.
Land and property management
The Council will:
• carry out a biodiversity audit of its landholdings.
• consider the conservation and promotion of local biodiversity in regards to the management of its
open spaces. This will include adopting beneficial practices with regarding to cutting and removal of
vegetation, application of chemicals and timing of maintenance work, paying attention to the
Government’s regulations for plant protection products.
• take special care in the specification of grounds maintenance contracts to ensure that the work,
whilst reaching acceptable standards, does not harm the natural environment.
• source sustainable materials when procuring supplies for the Council’s use
• consider biodiversity issues and the implementation of changes when managing its buildings.
Local community
The Council will:
• raise public awareness of biodiversity issues, including through its website and social media.
• where feasible, engage with local businesses and residents regarding biodiversity in the
community and how members of the community can assist and make a difference.
• where feasible, involve the community in biodiversity projects on its land including for example
tree planting, wildflower meadows, birdbox making.
Partners
The Council will:
● work in partnership with other organisations to protect, promote and enhance biodiversity within
the council area. It will review any local nature recovery strategies, species conservation strategies,
or protected site strategies in respect of local Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and consider
how it may become more involved in implementing the strategies’ recommendations.
MONITORING
This policy was adopted on 8
th January 2024 and will be reviewed in two years or sooner should
legislation dictate.
A summary of how the policy has been implemented will be published annually, with reference to
the original biodiversity audit to show progress.
