In a local context, biodiversity has particular importance in giving a distinctive character to an area. The North West is rich in wildlife and habitats, from our estuaries and coast, and the uplands and wetlands of international importance, through to the mixed urban and rural lowlands including the rich agricultural land of Cheshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, and the Mersey belt.
The England Biodiversity Strategy was launched October 2002. The Strategy seeks to ensure that biodiversity considerations become embedded in all main sectors of public policy. It sets out a programme running up to 2007 to make changes in order to enable conservation, and to enhance and work with nature and ecosystems rather than against them.
The UK Biodiversity Action Plan sets out priorities for nature conservation in the UK, listing those plants, animals and habitats most in need of help. The Plan combines new and existing conservation initiatives with the emphasis on a partnership approach.
