Charnwood Borough Council

Frequently Asked Questions: Biodiversity and Wildlife

What are Biodiversity Action Plans?

What is the Local Seed Project?

What are Sites of Special Scientific Interest?

What are Local Wildlife Sites?

What are RIGS?

What are Local Nature Reserves?

Where can I get some information on protected species?

What tree species should I plant?

Biodiversity Action Plans

Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plan 1999-2005
The Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plan covered the period from 1999 up to 2005 and was prepared in consultation with local people and environmental organisations. It identified the contribution that Charnwood could make to the achievement of the UK BAP.

Local Biodiversity Action Plan
From 2007, Charnwood Borough Council has contributed to the implementation of the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan, which lists 18 Habitat Action Plans and 14 Species Action Plans. The LLRBAP is available on Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust's website.

National Forest Biodiversity Action Plan
The National Forest Biodiversity Action Plan is also relevant to the future of wildlife in Charnwood. It covers broadly similar habitats and species but its geographical range extends beyond the Borough boundaries. It can be viewed on The National Forest's website.

The Local Seed Project

The National Forest Company and Charnwood Borough Council established the Local Seed Project in April 2002, as a pioneering initiative designed to meet the growing demand for local origin trees and shrubs.

The project works with local landowners, seed collectors and commercial nurseries to create a supply of trees and shrubs of researched local origin for use in National Forest Tender Schemes, and planting projects within the East Midlands.

For further information, please go to CBC's website or The National Forest's website.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are the country's best wildlife and geological statutory sites. They support plants and animals which are now seldom found in the wider countryside.

Natural England has responsibility for identifying and protecting SSSIs in England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).

Further information on Sites of Special Scientific Interest is available on Natural England's website.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Charnwood
There are 17 SSSIs in Charnwood, covering over 4% per cent of the district’s land area. They include some of our most valuable habitats – ancient woodland, flower-rich meadows and earth heritage sites.

Local Wildlife Sites

Local Wildlife Sites are also known as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation.

Local Wildlife Sites are the most important places for wildlife which are not protected by law. Many of these comprise irreplaceable habitats such as ancient woodland and species-rich grassland. Local Wildlife Sites are recognised by Natural England and are taken into account when allocating grants. Local Wildlife Sites are also included in local authorities’ plans.

Local Wildlife Sites in Charnwood
Currently Charnwood Borough Council has identified 217 Local Wildlife Sites, representing 1,129 ha and over 105 km of linear habitats, such as watercourses and hedgerows. They represent over 4% of the district’s land area.

Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites

Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) are important sites which do not have the formal statutory protection of SSSIs but complement the SSSI coverage.

In Leicestershire, RIGS are selected on a local basis by a group of geological experts under the umbrella of the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, according to nationally agreed criteria.

Local planning authorities are notified of the RIGS which have been declared in their area and encouraged to protect the RIGS through the planning process.

Further information on RIGS can be found on Natural England's website

RIGS in Charnwood
Sites have been re-assessed by the Leicestershire RIGS Group and 5 were confirmed to be of regional importance in Charnwood so far. The re-assessment process of geological sites is ongoing.

Further information can be viewed on Leicestershire County Council's website.

Local Nature Reserves

Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by principal local authorities (County and District Councils).

Local Nature Reserves are places with wildlife or geological features which are of special interest locally. They offer people opportunities to learn about nature or simply to enjoy it.

Further information can be viewed on Natural England's website.

Local Nature Reserves in Charnwood
Charnwood Borough Council has declared three Local Nature Reserves. They are: Morley Quarry in Shepshed, Bishop Meadow in Loughborough and Halstead Road Centenary Pasture in Mountsorrel.

Protected Species

Many species are legally protected under various legislation, mainly the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000.

For a list of useful publications and guidance notes please go to Natural England's website.

Use of Locally Native Species in Tree Planting Schemes

Please contact us for guidance on the trees and shrubs which are most appropriate for inclusion in planting schemes. Ask for the document 'Locally Native Trees in Charnwood District'.