East of England sets out its first regional biodiversity targets

In a unique project, over 20 organisations that compose the East of England Biodiversity Forum have set out vital Habitat Biodiversity Targets for the region's six counties. A total of 7 Habitat Targets have been identified for the East of England, which are considered to be a priority in contributing towards achieving the UK Biodiversity Action Plan targets.

For the first time, national Habitat Action Plans and county-level Local Biodiversity Action Plans have been pulled together to develop the targets and needs on a regional basis. These are highly significant because, for example, they will enable regional decision-makers to influence the policies that affect the long term survival of priority habitats, such as lowland grassland and heath, rivers, hedgerows, coastal areas and the fens. These policies are an important part of the Sustainable Development Framework and the Regional Environment Strategy that should protect the interests of both the natural habitat and the people who live in the East of England.

Key results of setting these targets are likely to include: the protection of the region's existing semi-natural woodland and creating and restoring a further 3000 hectares; the addition of 200km of hedgerow; conservation with restoration of key sites, and creation of an extra 2000 hectares of reed beds and fens.

Additionally, local authorities will be able to better plan for linking biodiversity into their community strategies, and it will be more straight-forward for land owners and environmental organisations to assess their own contributions to supporting regional wildlife.

Paul Wilkinson, chair of the East of England Biodiversity Forum, said, 'By reviewing the top down national targets and the bottom up local targets, the Forum has been able to blend national vision with local aspiration to provide a practical, measurable plan. This will be of enormous benefit to our regional biodiversity since it will ensure that our future policy and delivery activities meet the needs of both wildlife and people.'

The regional targets cover a wide range of habitats and details of action planning. They include lowland grassland and heath, lakes and rivers, hedgerows, woodland, coastal areas, arable land and reed beds and fens. For each, the Forum has set out how the habitat can be maintained, restored or created, or a combination of all three approaches.

The targets - which need to be achieved by 2010 - will be subject to review by the Regional Biodiversity Forum to ensure continued contribution to the overall UK targets.