Nature Conservation

Summary

Nature Conservation

The Council's Countryside Group plays a key role in nature conservation in the Borough.

The Group owns and manages all 5 of the Local Nature Reserves in Barnsley and carries out a planned programme of habitat management and enhancement. The practical works are carried out by the Council's Countryside Rangers, Voluntary Rangers and various conservation volunteers.

The Countryside Group works closely with the voluntary sector and we are always keen to recruit new voluntary rangers who can act as our eyes and ears on sites, as well as get actively involved in the management of sites. If you are interested in this aspect of our work please contact us at countrysideregen@barnsley.gov.uk

Significant advances have been made in the groups work on the Nature Conservation Records System, and this has led to the designation of 50 Natural Heritage Sites which contain representatives of all the habitat types in the Borough. As opportunity and resources allow, management agreements and practical conservation works are being developed with relevant land managers.

A major task for the group is the production of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), part of Local Agenda 21, which was prepared in partnership with a range of local and regional voluntary and statutory agencies. The final BAP was completed in 2002 and is available online.

Related Links:

• Local Nature Reserves in Barnsley
• Biodiversity Action Plan
• The Countryside Agency