Biodiversity in Stafford Borough

Biodiversity is a new word to the English language, but we shouldn't worry about that. It simply signifies the variety of life on the planet in all its shapes and sizes. This biodiversity can be found everywhere; in our gardens, in the countryside and in the towns and cities. It encompasses everything from flower pollinating insects to the mightiest oak tree.

There are many reasons why we should conserve biodiversity, but most obvious is the simple fact that it is essential to our very existence. However, over the last few decades, we have seen a terrible decline in the amount and quality of the wildlife asset we have in the Borough:

• several species have already become extinct in Stafford Borough, including the red squirrel, the marsh helleborine and a distinctive leaf beetle - all within the last 10 years
  
• if the current rate of decline persists, the water vole will disappear from both the Borough and the UK as a whole by 2003
  
• due to loss of habitat, some of our most 'common' birds are also declining rapidly, including the skylark, snipe and lapwing
  
• in the last 60 years almost all of our flower rich meadows have been destroyed and with them a host of butterflies, birds and small mammals.

This loss of wildlife is mirrored and magnified at the global level.  Mountain ecosystems, the frozen tundra, coral reefs, our seas and oceans, the arid lands, are all under pressure; some of our richest and least understood environments are disappearing the fastest - tropical rainforest loss is estimated to be over 60,000 square miles every year.

It is not all bad news however. 'The Convention on Biological diversity', drawn up at the Earth Summit in 1992 to halt the world-wide loss of plant and animal species, has led to the development of national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. In the UK, the national 'Biodiversity Action Plan' (BAP) feeds into the 'Staffordshire BAP', produced in 1998, which in turn dovetails with Stafford Borough's own 'Biodiversity Strategy', launched in July 2000.

Strong mechanisms are in place now to establish a high priority for biodiversity in Stafford Borough and these will not only help halt the damage inflicted on our wildlife and habitats over the last few decades but will also enable us all 'to conserve and enhance the characteristic biodiversity of Stafford Borough for present and future generations'.

What are we doing already?

A great many activities are already underway to protect and encourage the biodiversity of Stafford Borough. Committed organisations, such as the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), and many other groups and individuals are working hard for wildlife in our area, along with the local Council. Some examples are given below:  

Biodiversity Strategy

This Strategy was launched in July 2000 following several months of careful planning by the Biodiversity Steering Group, whose members include representatives from key wildlife organisations across the Borough.

The main aim of the Strategy is 'to conserve and enhance the characteristic biodiversity of Stafford Borough for present and future generations'. It will ensure that biodiversity and wildlife conservation remain a high priority within the continuously changing social and economic scene of Stafford Borough.

Tree Strategy

The Tree Strategy was published in 1998. Its overall aim is to enhance the quantity and quality of the trees and woodland in Stafford Borough. Over 3000 new trees are planted each year.

Much of the practical work is carried out by the BTCV who in turn work closely with schools, parish councils and community groups throughout the Borough.

Recent planting projects have taken place at Riverway, John Wheeldon School and in Tixall.

The Borough Council also provides specialist information on the management and good care of existing trees and is responsible for securing appropriate landscaping and tree planting schemes within new development. Stafford Borough Council has a Tree Officer to help implement the Tree Strategy.  Contact T: 01785 619401

Millennium Shades

Millennium Shades are made out of living willow. 'Willow sticks' are planted and interwoven to create structures of all shapes and sizes - most commonly 'domes'. The Millennium Shades project was originally set up to promote the 'safe in the sun' message - teaching youngsters about the potential risks from excessive exposure to the sun. Now several schools have Millennium Shades in their grounds and the added bonus of:

• an instant outdoor classroom and play area;
• an attractive feature in the school ground;
• an unusual wildlife habitat

Supporting and Promoting Community Initiatives

The Borough Council supports and promotes all kinds of community initiatives to conserve biodiversity:

• Doxey Marshes Community Initiative where a warden has been appointed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust with support from Stafford Borough Council, to manage this nationally important 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI), both for the benefit of the wildlife and the resident human population of Stafford.
• Barlaston and Rough Close Common which has recently been awarded 'Local Nature Reserve' status and is now carefully managed to ensure the survival of rare heathland species such as the picture-winged fly, the empid fly and solitary bees and wasps.
• Water Vole Conservation at Riverway - the last population of water voles on the River Sow is believed to inhabit the banks at Riverway. To give this population a better chance of survival 'Friends of Riverway' are co-ordinating a programme of tree and shrub planting along the river banks - to include crab-apple, cherry, holly and gooseberry bushes- favourite snacks of the water vole!
• Stafford and Stone In Bloom Awards promotes more wildlife friendly and sustainable gardening via its 'Conservation Awareness' category.

What else can we do?

Future proposals to conserve and enhance the wild places, plants and animals of Stafford Borough include: