Wildlife in West Lancashire
Every day, more than 50 species of plant or animal become extinct
throughout the world. In the UK, almost half of the 50 species of
bird found on farmland are declining in number, and some 90% of
Britain's ponds have disappeared during the last 50 years.
West Lancashire has a wide variety of habitats and wildlife. Of the
specially designated Key Habitats which provide a focus for
wildlife conservation on a national basis, an impressive 15 occur
in the district - almost half the number of Key Habitats occurring
in the whole of the north west of England. Each of these will form
the basis of an action plan being drawn up as part of the
county-wide Biodiversity Action Plan process.
The District has many places that have particular designations
because of their wildlife, including a National Nature Reserve, 2
sites that are both Ramsar Sites and Special Protection Areas (of
particular importance for their birds), 6 Sites of Special
Scientific Interest, and numerous County Biological Heritage Sites
and Local Nature Conservation Sites. Although these special sites
are important, they account for a relatively small area of the
District. Almost 90% of the land area of West Lancashire is used
for agriculture, so it is vital that any plans to assist the
District's wildlife should take account of the wider countryside,
as well as its population and other important influences.
The Local Wildlife Action Plan
The District Council is currently working with Lancashire Wildlife
Trust and several other organisations whose activities impact on
biodiversity to develop a Wildlife Action Plan for West Lancashire.
This will focus resources on a small number of actions that should
make a difference for wildlife, which the various agencies will
commit to undertaking. For more information, contact:
Peter Bradford, Planning Policy Manager
Tel: 01695 585166
Email: peter.bradford@westlancsdc.gov.uk