Biodiversity Action Planning in Sussex

Biodiversity action planning began in Sussex in 1996, when the Sussex Biodiversity Partnership was established. Reflecting the essentially rural nature of the County, the Sussex BAP partnership comprises nature conservation organisations, local authorities and local land owner interests. Brighton & Hove joined the Partnership in 1997.

The Sussex BAP comprises several habitat and species action plans addressing threatened habitats and species such as chalk grassland, hedgerows and floodplain grasslands, skylark, barn owl and brown hare. Further action plans are in preparation. For more information see http://www.biodiversitysussex.org.

The Sussex BAP partnership published the Urban Biodiversity Action Plan for Sussex in October 2001. It has three main objectives:

• "To safeguard and enhance the biodiversity found in the urban areas of Sussex;
• To increase people's contact and understanding of biodiversity and stimulate local action and
• To promote sustainable development that contributes positively to biodiversity and hence the quality of life of an urban society."

You can read the full text of the Sussex Urban BAP at http://www.biodiversitysussex.org/urban.htm