| What is it?
Biodiversity is the variety of all living things that exist on earth, including the habitats that support them, the range of different species and genetic variation within individual species. Biodiversity is everywhere. It concerns not only those species and habitats that are rare, unusual or threatened, but is equally concerned with ensuring that widespread and common species remain an integral part of a sustainable natural environment. (Lincoln Biodiversity Action Plan).
What are the threats to biodiversity
Our biodiversity is threatened everyday due to pollution, changing climates, removal or changes to natural habitat (eg patios and decking in gardens) noise. We are fortunate in Lincoln to have large areas of open space close to the city centre however we can still improve this in the most densely populated areas of the City by making the most of waste land, green wedges and private gardens.
What can we do about it?
Monitor your local biodiversity. Are some species at risk of disappearing from the area? You can help to build up the local and also national picture of what is happening by taking part in events such as the RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch, or on-going surveys like the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Hunt.
Create more habitats. You can make your garden more wildlife-friendly by adding a pond, bird feeders, bat boxes, log piles, planting native shrubs and trees (Native Tree Shop), or by just allowing an area of grass or weeds to grow.
Maintain the existing habitats. Help keep our open spaces litter free - you could arrange a litter picking event in your area. Contact Barrie Billinghay on 01522 873331at the City of Lincoln Council for information and tools to help you arrange this. |
