Babergh District Council renews pledge to boost biodiversity

Babergh District Council has renewed its commitment to protect, restore, and enhance the district’s biodiversity after approving a new action plan.

At their cabinet meeting on 10 February the council approved its updated Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for 2026–2030 – developed by a cross-party working group.

The plan reaffirms its long‑term commitment to protect, restore, and enhance the district’s natural environment for generations to come.

It also sets out how the council will continue to improve biodiversity on their own land, as well as the steps it will take to support communities, landowners and partners into the future with:

• creating healthier habitats and reversing habitat loss
• enhancing tree, hedgerow and wildflower planting
• expanding wildlife corridors and networks
• supporting wildlife recovery
• helping the district adapt to climate change
• increasing engagement and awareness of biodiversity and its importance – encouraging residents and businesses to take action.

New national requirements around Biodiversity Net Gain and Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy aims are also reflected.

It also builds on the council’s previous successes and initiatives, including:

• mapping existing and potential wildlife corridors, helping identify areas for future habitat enhancement
• a rural UK first of its kind tree canopy survey – identifying opportunities for expansion based on current coverage
• the creation of new wildflower areas on council-managed land
• the launch of a community landowner planting scheme (including town and parish councils) – which has seen 314 trees and 5,295 hedgerow plants planted to date, as well as 1,470m2 of wildflower seed spread in Babergh
• supporting landowners with advice including awareness of available grants
• gifting almost 3,000 trees, jointly with Mid Suffolk District Council, to new parents through the council’s Tree for Life scheme

Cllr Helen Davies, cabinet member for climate change, nature recovery and biodiversity, said:

“This refreshed Biodiversity Action Plan cements our commitment to protecting and enhancing nature across Babergh.

“We’re already seeing the impact of our work through new tree planting, improved habitats, and better data about our natural environment.

“This plan sets out how we will continue to build on that progress, aim to secure external funding, while working closely with communities and partners to create a greener, more resilient future for everyone.”