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WELCOME TO CHESHIRE BIODIVERSITY
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CHESHIRE REGION BIODIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP MEMBER DETAILS:
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One of the main environmental goals of the Agency is to provide an enhanced environment for wildlife (“Creating a better place”, Corporate Strategy 2006-2011). We have a number of conservation duties (under sections 6,7 and 8 of the Environment Act 1995) which apply to the conservation of virtually any species, habitat or feature affected by the Agency’s regulatory or operational activities. The Agency pays particular attention to its statutory obligations, especially with respect to nature conservation; to internationally and nationally protected sites and species, and to non-designated sites, which are also important for biodiversity.
FRB is responsible for ensuring that activities undertaken by the Environment Agency have regard to our conservation duties. To help reach our goal, we ensure that work such as flood defence improvements, hydrometry and engineering works considers any biodiversity impacts, whilst promoting recreation where the opportunity arises.
FRB makes sure that the Agency’s contributions towards the Habitats Directive and UK Biodiversity Action Plan are carried out.
Our responsibilities include:
Advising on internal and external consultations on wildlife conservation, recreation and fisheries management |
Screening and advising on Agency schemes including flow monitoring, river maintenance works and Flood Alleviation Schemes |
Processing herbicide applications to ensure the aquatic environment is protected and providing advice on the treatment of invasive species. |
Conducting river corridor surveys prior to Agency heavy maintenance works |
Contributing towards the implementation of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan |
Attending meetings with external bodies e.g. BAP steering groups and the Greater Manchester Wildlife Working Group |
Maintaining, developing and improving fisheries by regulating and offering advice on the movement of fish |
Working with Natural England to ensure that internationally and nationally protected habitats and species are maintained or restored to “favourable conservation status” |
Promoting biodiversity in all wetlands including lakes, ponds, streams and rivers |
Implementing and targeting actions within our local and regional Biodiversity Action Plans |
FRB projects include river and wetland enhancement and rehabilitation schemes, Flood Alleviation Schemes, influencing development near rivers and wetlands, Environmental Stewardship Schemes, recreation and access schemes, and wildlife recording projects. Examples of recent projects include:
Otters
In 2005, FRB funded otter surveys throughout Cheshire, the Wirral and Greater Manchester. This survey, in addition to surveys by FRB staff, found evidence of otters on the Gowy, Wincham and Weaver river catchments, and also on the Shropshire Union Canal. This initial work has enabled FRB to focus on specific otter projects and we have since funded an ‘Otter Video Monitoring Project’ and a ‘Weaver Otter Habitat Survey’. These projects assist the monitoring of otter populations and distributions in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
Contact: Appleton House |
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