Biodiversity

Conservation of biodiversity is vital in our response to climate change and in the delivery of key ecosystem services such as food, flood management, pollination and provision of clean air and water.

We have a duty, as do all local councils, under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006, to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity in exercising all of their functions. This includes developing and influencing local policies and strategies; planning and development control; managing its estate; procurement; education, awareness raising and advisory functions.

Conserving biodiversity includes protecting, restoring and enhancing species populations and habitats.  The most important sites for biodiversity are protected by international, national or local designations. Particularly rare or threatened species are protected by law. 

Durham Biodiversity Partnership

We are a member of the Durham Biodiversity Partnership. The partnership was established 1996 and is made up of a wide range of organisations and individuals committed to conserving and enhancing biodiversity. The partnership covers the administrative areas of County Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Darlington.