Welcome to Essex Biodiversity Project

This website has something for everyone who has an interest in the wildlife of Essex; from the professional nature conservationist to the amateur enthusiast; from the managing director of a local business to the chief executive of a District Council.

You can use this site to find out about biodiversity in Essex, learn about the species and habitats in the Essex Biodiversity Action Plan, discover how you can get involved in projects and who to contact about wildlife issues. Take a look at the  'Species and Habitats information' section for a start, then the 'Biodiversity Action Plan' section to see what is being done to improve them. The Action Plan is currently being updated and new sections will appear as they are completed.

For Local Authorities

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 came into force on the 1st October 2006. Section 40 of the Act gives  all public bodies a legal duty to consider biodiversity in their work. this affects more than 900 public bodies, including local authorities, police, BBC, museums and transport bodies. You can use this site to find out how your organisation could play a key role in enhancing and conserving biodiversity. The website's > 'Planning' section and its 'Biodiversity guide for planners and developers' contain a wealth of information, including links to other relevant websites. The > 'Planning' > 'Eco Consultants' section may also be useful.  Advice from DEFRA on the Biodiversity Duty is available on their website

Landscape Scale working

Biodiversity conservation work is now focusing on whole landscapes as the way to conserve biodiversity, and the Essex Biodiversity Project is now working with the County and District Councils, Essex Wildlife Trust and other partners on projects to benefit habitats and species across Essex. The Living Landscapes project seeks to  improve the wider countryside for widlife, rather than just concenrtating on small nature reserves, and this will bring benefits for Biodiversity Action Plan species and habitats.

Further information on these projects and the other work of the Essex Biodiversity Project can be followed up by clicking on the green buttons and their flyout links on the left side of this page. Please explore this website and contact us for further information.