The Epping Forest Biodiversity Action Plan

Biological diversity or “biodiversity” is simply a term used to describe the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. Biodiversity is all around us and encompasses all living things from microscopic organisms in the soil to the Blue Whale in the worlds oceans. It includes not just the exotic, rare and endangered plants and animals, but also those that are found in our back gardens, streets and parks. Although biodiversity surrounds us, we cannot take it for granted. Human activities are influencing climate change and urban development, agricultural intensification and road building will all have an impact on wildlife. Even seemingly minor things such as cutting down a tree or infilling a pond can make a difference by isolating or reducing habitats. Many ordinary, daily activities are slowly modifying the variety of wildlife – our local biodiversity.

The Biodiversity process in the UK, Essex and the Epping Forest District.

Following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, 150 governments from around the world signed The Convention on Biological Diversity. In so doing, world leaders agreed a comprehensive strategy for “sustainable development” and committed themselves to  restoring the Earths natural resources.

The UK government was one of the signatories to the convention and its first action was to produce the UK Biodiversity Action Plan in 1993. By 1995 The UK Biodiversity Steering Group had published action plans for many species and habitats detailing how they were to be protected, sustained and increased. It currently has around 391 Species Action Plans, 45 Habitat Action Plans and 162 Local Biodiversity Action Plans with targeted actions.

Following the production of these national action plans it soon became apparent that if they were to be successfully implemented, much of the work would need to take place at a local level. In 1999 the Essex Biodiversity Project was formed to coordinate biodiversity projects across the county, identify local issues and to harness local skills and expertise. The partnership also produced the first Essex Biodiversity Action Plan containing action plans for the 25 species and 10 habitats relevant to Essex. 

For more information about the Epping Forest Plan and how you could help please contact Countrycare.