WELCOME TO CHESHIRE BIODIVERSITY PART OF THE CHESHIRE REGION BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

The government (through DEFRA), funds a variety of 'agri-environment' schemes which are available to farmers and other landowners who wish to manage their land for environmental benefit. The schemes have aims such as

The agri-environment schemes are a very important delivery mechanism for achieving national, regional and local biodiversity targets as set out in publications such as 'Countdown'. Through the schemes habitats of biodiversity importance can be maintained, restored or created using appropriate management techniques. Good habitat management in turn, gives plant and animal species opportunities to thrive thus realising the aspirations of biodiversity action plan species targets.

Following reports to Government the agri-environment schemes are currently undergoing changes. The old Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Area Schemes have now closed to new applicants.

The new Environmental Stewardship Scheme is due to be launched in 2005. This will replace the two former schemes and will be in three parts: entry level; organic entry level and higher level.

Full details of the scheme are not yet available. For the most up-to-date information please look at the Defra website, www.defra.gov.uk .

DEFRA is committed to biodiversity at a national, regional and local level. Nationally within the UK BAP, DEFRA is lead agency for Upland Hay Meadows, Ancient Species-rich Hedgerows and Arable Field Margins. DEFRA is also a national 'contact point' for Farmland Birds. At a regional level, DEFRA is involved in regional biodiversity groups such as the North-West Biodiversity Forum which includes Cheshire. Locally, at county level, DEFRA aims:

• to be an active partner in the promotion of biodiversity within Cheshire
• to assist in the delivery of biodiversity targets within Cheshire through the 'agri-environment' schemes
• to assist with the production of the Cheshire region BAP as delivered through the 'Countdown' programme
  
  

  Within the Rural Development Service of DEFRA, the regional biodiversity co-ordinator for Cheshire is: Sarah Robinson, Electra Way, Crewe, CW1 6GJ phone: 01270 754000 fax: 01270 754141

WWW Cheshire Biodiversity Have you got a question about wildlife in the Cheshire region? If so, contact us on [email protected]!