Biodiversity: (How to) Do your bit
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity encompasses the whole variety of life on Earth, from the smallest insect to the tallest tree. It is not restricted to rare or endangered species, but includes all the plants and animals familiar to all of us in the places we live and work.
Why do we need it?
Biodiversity affects all life, even humans. The ecosystems and habitats within biodiversity contribute to all the important aspects of human life - air, water, food, clothing, health, employment and relaxation. Biodiversity has contributed to the development of the Scottish economy through timber for shipbuilding, and as a result the growth of the fishing industry; farming; and tourism. Our health is also helped by biodiversity with productive soils and clean water, medical remedies and, without forests and bogs, the greenhouse effect would be much more serious. It is important to conserve and protect biodiversity, as once lost, it may never return.
What is being done?
In 1992, Britain signed the Convention on Biological Diversity at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro which stated that each country had to develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. In 1994, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan was published, setting out the UK's strategy and programmes for conserving biodiversity and the future sustainable use of our natural resources. In line with this, local authorities and councils have been encouraged to develop their own Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) which are specific to the habitats and species within their area, from woodlands and bogs to deer and red squirrels. The plans set out specific targets to improve the biodiversity of an area and are constantly updated and reviewed.
In Scotland, the Scottish Biodiversity Forum and Scottish Biodiversity Steering Group have been set up to create a strategy and vision for biodiversity in Scotland. "Scottish Biodiversity: It's in your hands" was published in 2004, with the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act (2004), giving Scottish Natural Heritage and associated bodies more power over the designation of statuary sites and the regulation of land management procedures.
The Central Scotland Forest Trust is dedicated to the improvement of biodiversity in the Central Scotland region. We are heavily involved in the development of LBAPs for each of the councils covering the region, carrying out surveys and giving advice. Through the actual creation of the Forest, we are aiding biodiversity and endeavour to use only appropriate methods and mostly native species to enhance the natural heritage of the area for people to use and enjoy.
What can you do to help?
There are many way in which you can help to protect and conserve your local biodiversity which don't take a lot of time or effort. Simply recycling your newspapers or switching to a renewable energy supplier can help. Other suggestions are:
- Create a wildlife friendly garden. Gardens can be of any size, even down to window boxes. Try to use plants that are good for wildlife, native to the area and from a local source. Suggested plants for butterflies, birds and bees are Ivy, Lavender, Honeysuckle, Holly, Thistles and Sweet William. Try using your own compost from kitchen and garden waste, or use peat free compost from the garden centre. You could also plant a native tree or hedge, or even add a pond.
- Create a log habitat pile. This is a great way to turn a small patch of your garden into a wildlife corner. Many types of insects love this kind of environment, and toads, frogs and newts use them as hibernating spots. Native logs are the best to use, as they support most of our natural biodiversity. You can plant ferns, snowdrops and primroses within it to make it look more like a woodland!
- Recycle. It's amazing what you can recycle nowadays; paper, glass, aluminium, plastic, organic and garden waste. Many recycling centres also take wood, scrap metal and old electrical products. Other environmentally friendly lifestyle choices include refusing plastic bags when shopping, using less chemicals around the house, using organic products and products with less packaging, you could also try using the car less.
- Volunteer or join a local community group. If there aren't any community groups near you, try volunteering for Scottish Wildlife Trust, BTCV Scotland, or contact CSFT who can put you in touch with relevant groups.
