Wildlife and Countryside
Our local countryside is under increasing pressure. Although much of Aylesbury Vale District is rural, the population has risen by over 10% in the last 10 years.
Our local countryside is under increasing pressure. Although much of Aylesbury Vale is rural, the population has risen by over 10% in the last 10 years. Urban expansion, road construction, development such as barn conversions, intensive agriculture, mineral extraction and waste disposal all have an impact on wildlife habitats and protected species.
We adopted the Bucks and Milton Keynes Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in 2000. It is a document which sets out actions and targets to conserve the county’s wildlife. The Bucks and Milton Keynes Biodiversity Action Plan is available online by following the link below.
We work towards delivering the BAP locally by:
Working with parishes, landowners and farmers to encourage wildlife-friendly land management.
- Working to minimise the impact of development on protected species and other wildlife.
- Promoting wildlife sensitive management of AVDC owned land.
- Identifying sites with special wildlife, County Wildlife Sites, and giving advice to owners.
- Running projects to help conserve rare or endangered species, for example, bats, barn owls, swifts and great crested newts.
- Encouraging people to take an interest in and care for their local wildlife through guided walks, talks and events.
What can you do?
- Support local wildlife organisations, such as the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust and the British Trust for conservation volunteers.
- Encourage wildlife into your garden, school, local park or workplace.
- Volunteer on local practical wildlife projects, for example tree and wildflower planting.
- Visit local nature reserves - see our Places to visit guide on the left hand side menu bar.