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Biodiversity

The diversity (number and variety of species) of plant and animal life within a region. The UK Government's Biodiversity Action Plan has co-ordinated activity to conserve and enhance biodiversity, including the protection of priority species and habitats. Species, Habitat and Local Biodiversity Action Plans have been produced for over 390 species and 45 habitats across the UK. A lead agency (e.g. Environment Agency, Natural England (formerly English Nature and Countryside Agency), Defra, Scottish Environment Protection Agency) is appointed with responsibility for leading the implementation of the plans. Indigenous planting - planting trees/shrubs that are original or native to a particular area (or that are commonplace within the last few centuries e.g. heather). This should be considered in development to enhance local biodiversity as non-indigenous species can potentially cause damage to plant material, e.g. plant viruses.

Related terms:

• Air Quality
• Brownfield
• Conservation
• Greenbelt
• Heat Island
• Impact Assessment
• Regeneration
• Stakeholders
• Sustainability Appraisal (SA)
• Sustainable development
• Sustainable remediation
• Sustainable Transport Planning