LAUNCH OF ACTION PLAN FOR WESTERN ISLES BIODIVERSITY

A plan to promote the enhancement of nationally and locally important species and habitats in the Western Isles through local involvement will be launched this week.

TV and radio presenter Nancy Nicolson will formally launch the Western Isles Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) on Thursday afternoon at Nunton Steadings, Benbecula. Nancy will be familiar to many as a presenter on the BBC’s Rural Affairs programme Landward and the Radio Scotland programme Grass Roots.

The plan has been produced by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in conjunction with the Western Isles Biodiversity Partnership and Scottish Natural Heritage. It comprises a framework for biodiversity action in the Western Isles entitled ‘Our Nature’ and three habitat and species action plans for Saline Lagoons, Native Woodlands and the Great yellow bumblebee. These first phase habitat and species plans were identified by the Western Isles Biodiversity Partnership and further plans will be produced as resources permit.

The overall objectives of the LBAP are:
to maintain and enhance where practicable the Western Isles biodiversity i.e. the variety of habitats and species;
to raise local awareness of the importance of these habitats and species; and
to encourage local involvement in safeguarding and enhancing biodiversity by involving individuals, communities, businesses and voluntary groups as what we do locally has a national, international, and global impact.

Councillor Angus Nicolson, chairman of the Western Isles Biodiversity Partnership said “You can make a big difference as an individual by small changes in the way you do things in your home, garden, croft, school or community which will minimise the impact you have on the environment. The LBAP suggests ways in which you can help to enhance your local biodiversity, for example, by recycling as much as possible.”

Copies of the LBAP will be available in the local libraries and on the Western Isles Biodiversity website at www.cne-siar.gov.uk/biodiversity.

You are invited to send a representative to Nunton Steadings Benbecula for the launch at 12pm on Thursday 27th May.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk