Bio-diversity Policy
STANTON-ON-THE-WOLDS PARISH COUNCIL
BIO-DIVERSITY POLICY
The Bio-diversity Policy
In accordance with the Duty imposed on parish councils by Section 40 of the Natural Environment
and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006, People responsible for activities, events and developments
within the Parish of Stanton are required to consider the effects on wildlife and biodiversity to
preserve and, where possible, enhance the wildlife and biodiversity of the local area.
Stanton-on-the-Wolds is located in the Borough of Rushcliffe and enjoys the benefits of a village
community within a rural setting. Wildlife and Biodiversity form an important part of our community
and must be preserved and enhanced.
This guidance note is to assist:
- Those responsible for organising and taking part in local activities and events.
- Those responsible for planning and construction of developments.
- Residents wishing to be more aware of their responsibilities towards wildlife and biodiversity.
Biodiversity means the variety of life around us and includes every species of plant and animal, the
genetic material that makes them what they are, and the communities that they form. Biodiversity is
essential to sustaining the living networks, or ‘ecosystems’, that provide us all with health, wealth,
food, fuel, and the vital services our lives depend on. It is a core component of sustainable
development, underpinning economic development and prosperity.
What will the Parish Council do?
The Parish Council, when commenting on planning applications, will support site and building design
that benefits biodiversity through the conservation and integration of existing habitats or provision
of new habitats. The Parish Council will support protection of sensitive habits from development and
will consider whether the development would mean the loss of important habitats for wildlife in
respect of all applications. Habitats classed as important are those that are included in SN14 Habitats
of Principal Importance under the NERC Act, and/or priority habitats in the Nottinghamshire
Biodiversity Action Plan.
The Parish Council will, conserve the biodiversity of the land it manages in accordance with the aims
of the 25 YEP and our Biodiversity Duty. It will adopt beneficial practices with regarding to cutting
and removal of vegetation, application of chemicals and timing of maintenance work. Special care
Wildlife Policy will be taken in the specification of grounds maintenance contracts to ensure that the
work, whilst reaching acceptable standards, does not harm the natural environment.
The Parish Council will, wherever possible, raise public awareness of biodiversity issues. It will, where
possible, involve the community in biodiversity projects on its land including for example tree
planting, wildflower meadows, birdbox making. The Parish Council will communicate information
and raise awareness of biodiversity through its website and newsletters.
The Parish Council will produce a map of the Parish that identifies the sites designated for their
wildlife importance (Local Wildlife Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, ancient trees etc. to help
protect these areas).
What can residents do around the home?
Nest boxes and bird feeders, holes in fences for hedgehogs and amphibians to pass, planting for
butterflies and bees, wildlife ponds, corners of the garden and areas of grassland and wildflowers left
to nature, etc.
Useful reference for local residents:
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
Wild Things Keyworth
South Notts Wildlife
Rushcliffe Wildlife
Hedgehog Street
Buglife
Bats
Children’s activities
From an early age, children are fascinated by the wildlife around them, and this is to be encouraged
by schools and parents, Youth Clubs, Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and other clubs and societies.
Children may join adults in projects such as tree planting, wildflower meadows, birdbox making,
wildlife counts and surveys and possibly help to create a wildlife map of the Parish.
A walk or ride in our countryside?
Residents and visitors to the countryside around Stanton-on-the-Wolds enjoy the many public
footpaths which are mainly maintained by the local farmers. People enjoying our Countryside must
obey the Country code summarised as follows:
Respect other people:
• Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors.
• Park carefully so access to gateways and driveways is kept clear.
• Leave gates and property as you find them.
• Follow paths but give way to others where it’s narrow.
Protect the natural environment:
• Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home.
• Outside of your garden don’t have BBQs or fires (except in designated areas)
• Keep dogs under effective control so that they do not disturb other people or wildlife.
• Dog poo - bag it and bin it.
Enjoy the outdoors:
• Plan ahead, check what facilities are open, and be prepared.
• Follow advice and local signs and obey social distancing measures.
Wildlife Policy
Wildlife Issues
It is recognised that occasionally some aspects of wildlife and biodiversity can be detrimental to our
health and safety and must be treated with caution. For example, rat infestation, wasp nests, animals
in roof spaces bedbugs etc. within the domestic environment. Advice on treatment is available at:
Rushcliffe Pest Control It should be remembered that most bee and wasp nests are not harmful if left undisturbed and that these insects play a crucial role in crop and wildlife pollination.
Further information
A comprehensive reference list of species (with many illustrations) and habitats of principle
importance in England is given in Wikipedia:
List of species and habitats of principal importance in England
The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust offers helpful support and advice, and currently provide a free
wildlife advisory visit to the Parish through a Service Level Agreement with Rushcliffe Borough
Council. Nottinghamshire Wildlife
Information about the priority habitats in Nottinghamshire can be found on:
Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group
Information about the locations of Local Wildlife Sites and SSSIs in Nottinghamshire can be found on:
Species of Importance