Action plan to help conserve natural habitats under threat in historic city

THE natural habitats of York have stood the test of time throughout the 2,000 years since the Romans founded the city.

But fears are mounting that at-risk floral and fauna as well as endangered species of wildlife across the city could be lost forever unless action is taken to halt the threat of development and changing climatic conditions.

Among the city’s most precious wildlife is the Tansy beetle, which lives on a 25-mile stretch of the banks of the River Ouse around the city and nowhere else in the UK.

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A new strategy dubbed the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has been drawn up by York Council to help conserve the city’s wildflower meadows, wet grassland, fens and swamps, as well as the habitats of the Tansy beetle, bats, rare flowers and herbs.

Coun Dave Merrett said: “York is a special place not only for its history, buildings and archaeology but also for some of its habitats, plants and wildlife.

“Through the extensive survey work already carried out over a number of years, we have identified some of the at risk habitats and species and are seeking to protect the key areas and sites involved through the proposed 
Local Plan, whilst allowing necessary development in other locations.

“But it’s also important we recognise and respond to the many other challenges to York’s particular natural environment, and the Biodiversity Action Plan indicates how we can go about doing 
that.”

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The action plan builds on a biodiversity audit which was carried out in York between 2008 and 2010 and drew up a list of habitats throughout the city, which currently has nine nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

The SSSIs include flood meadow grasslands and wetlands, as well as Strensall Common on the outskirts of York which is the most northerly lowland heath site in Britain.

The proposed strategy will be used to help inform planners, developers and landowners to co-ordinate how to avoid harming fragile environments and species, as well as enhancing the provision of important habitats.

Residents are being asked to complete factsheets about wildlife activity in their gardens at www.york.gov.uk/localplan in the “download documents panel” to help build a clearer picture of the city’s environment.