Plant & Wildlife Protection around Harrogate District

THE five hundred square miles of the Harrogate district is rich in plant and wildlife but for the first time plans are being pursued to ensure that the most important forms are protected not just the rare species.

Local natural history societies and wildlife experts are supporting the recently formed Harrogate District Bio-diversity Action Partnership, which is led by Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and Natural England. They have come together to identify the most important plants and wildlife within the district and propose actions to conserve them.

The partnership is now consulting on the early proposals for the local Biodiversity Action Plan, which will link into the national scheme.

Councillor Don Mackenzie, Harrogate’s Member for Planning and Transport, is urging anyone with an interest in the district’s natural world to make their comments and suggestions known. He said: “There are many areas in the district that act as plant and wildlife reservoirs in which they can disperse into the wider countryside and, indeed, in towns and villages. We want to plan for a future where our species and habitats are more joined up, giving a more resilient and robust wildlife landscape. This is better for people too. We are optimistic that this will lead to more people seeing wildlife and experiencing attractive areas near where they live.

“The Biodiversity Action Plan will be the building block for the future. It will look at habitats and species and will develop ways in which to conserve and enhance this important part of our life.”

The draft Action Plan is available at public libraries, council offices and on the council’s website http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/harrogate-5522

Comments can be made until 26 September.