Surrey Biodioversity Action Plan

Surrey is a county of contrasts. From the urbanised areas within the M25 to the spectacular high points of Box Hill and Newlands Corner on the North Downs, down to the Wealden woods and meadows. It is a highly desirable place to live and work and within its boundaries there is a wealth of different habitats.

Unfortunately human impact upon this natural world has proven catastrophic with many of our once common species sliding down the lonely path to extinction. The rate and scale of change has simply proved too immense for much of Surrey’s biodiversity to adapt and respond to. Once extensive habitats have been severely depleted and carved up into isolated ‘island’ remnants.

Following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Surrey Biodiversity Partnership was formed to identify Surrey’s key habitats and produce individual Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) which together would form Surrey’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). In 1999 the first three HAPs were issued, a fourth was launched in 2000, a further six were issued in 2002.

The Surrey BAP represents an ambitious attempt to halt declines and restore biodiversity to a more sustainable condition. It has involved 10 years of discussion, negotiation and a lot of hard work. However the work has only just begun as Surrey Wildlife Trust and our partners have to deliver action on the ground that improves the biodiversity of Surrey.

The Surrey BAP Partnership

The biodiversity initiative relies on a joint approach by organisations and individuals, including those outside traditional conservation circles. This is essential for the successful implementation of the Surrey BAP by making actions happen on the ground.

The Surrey Biodiversity Partnership formed in 1996, with a core membership from the Surrey Nature Conservation Liaison Group together with additional members. The current members of the Partnership are the Environment Agency, English Nature, Surrey and Hampshire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), The Herpetological Conservation Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Surrey County Council, Surrey Wildlife Trust and Woking Borough Council. The County Landowners Association is affiliated to the Partnership.