| Urban - Gloucestershire |
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Biodiversity Action Plan for Gloucestershire bap title |
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| Extent/Distribution Given the rather loose definition it is difficult to estimate the amount of urban habitat in Gloucestershire. What is clear is that it is currently increasing, and for the foreseeable future will continue to do so. The County as a whole will need to accommodate significant housing and employment growth over the next 10 years and there will inevitably be infrastructure associated with this. Outside the built up urban areas there are the major road verges, railway embankments and spoil tips from mining operations. Although possibly located within open countryside, these should rightly be included in this habitat plan and therefore monitored and managed. Lack of recognition of the importance of urban habitats - not just their scientific value but their amenity value as well. A native species in an urban setting may have more significance to many people than one in a remote area where they are incapable of interacting with it. Development pressure. Related to the above is development pressure as, quite rightly, National and Local Government are increasingly looking to make the best use of urban land. This inevitably leads to the re-development of derelict sites, some of which may be supporting interesting assemblages of plants and animals. A balance needs to be struck as to what should and should not be developed. Pollution. Urban habitats are often polluted. In some instances this can be advantageous as it renders the site unsuitable for development and may attract certain unusual species. Generally, however, it should be seen as a threat. People pressure. 80% of the population live in urban areas. Pressure will come in many guises from outright vandalism to passive recreation like playing football or mountain biking. When managing urban habitats these pressures should be a prime consideration. Intensive management. Large areas of open space within urban areas are already intensively managed. Parks, roadside verges, factory grounds and business parks cover large areas. Currently these are managed to look neat at lowest cost. Over engineering. Engineers and other related disciplines designs meet certain criteria -however the natural world often is not adequately considered. Opportunities to create interesting habitats are often missed for no other reason than to make the environment look neat. New policy should, however, seek to integrate environmental concerns more closely. 4.1 To determine the distribution and value of urban habitat in the main developed areas of the County. Target: By 2003 4.2 Maintain and enhance the biodiversity capital of the urban area of the County. Target: No further loss of important urban nature conservation sites; all sites under favourable management by 2003 4.3 The creation of new habitats through development or management of the existing urban estate. Target: ongoing, wherever potential opportunities arise. 4.4 Ensure the provision of a nature conservation experience within 400 metres of every home within 10 years 300 metres within 20 years. Target: by 2010 4.5 Raise awareness of the importance of urban wildlife through professional bodies, schools, business, community groupings, gardeners and others involved with the urban estate. Target: Ongoing, general biodiversity awareness campaign 2000 { targets} {Current action} Policy and legislation [policy]Management
{management} Research and monitoring
{research} Education and awareness
raising
{education} {Progress} |
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