The Biodiversity & Net Gain Strategy has been developed as a proactive response to the growing environmental challenges, emphasising the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity within Wirral and our neighbouring regions. The strategy outlines a set of priorities and objectives aimed at protecting and enhancing biodiversity, ensuring its long-term survival, and fostering wider environmental benefits. It encourages the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and wildlife organisations, in achieving the outlined objectives.

The strategy aligns with several key national legislations and policies, including the Environment Act 2021, which mandates the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity (under the ‘enhanced duty’) and the implementation of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in development projects (from January 2024).

The strategy acts as a framework for change and action that will both be achievable and deliver long term impacts. It represents the Councils first consideration of the actions we can take towards conserving and enhancing biodiversity, including:

· Securing a mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain for all development projects in Wirral.

· Establishing a Biodiversity Action Plan to support priority habitat and species targets.

· Maximising the potential from the council’s estate to support biodiversity.

· Harnessing local knowledge and expertise to identify opportunities and solutions to local biodiversity issues.

· Fostering effective communication and engagement to achieve biodiversity goals. The Biodiversity & Net Gain Strategy aligns with the following Wirral Plan (2021- 2026) priority: Sustainable Futures Working towards a clean-energy, sustainable borough that leads the way in its response to the climate emergency and is environmentally friendly.

Resolved – That the Biodiversity & Net Gain Strategy be approved.

The Environment Act 2021 has introduced an enhanced 'biodiversity duty' for local authorities in England to conserve and enhance biodiversity. As part of this duty, local authorities are required to take steps to conserve and enhance biodiversity in the execution of their functions and must report publicly on the actions they have undertaken to meet this duty.

The first consideration of what actions can be taken must be completed by 1 January 2024, and objectives based on these considerations must be agreed upon as soon as practicable thereafter. This duty aims to ensure that local authorities contribute to the achievement of national goals and targets for biodiversity as outlined in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP23). The EIP23 commits to several goals, including halting the decline in species abundance by 2030, protecting 30% of UK land by 2030, and increasing species abundance by 10% by 2042, among other objectives. Local authorities must also embed biodiversity in decision-making processes and deliver mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain.

The first reporting period is no later than 1 January 2026, and every five years thereafter, detailing the actions taken to comply with the biodiversity duty and plans for the next reporting period.  

The Biodiversity & Net Gain Strategy represents the Council’s ‘first considerations’ of what actions it can take as well as responding to the pressing global biodiversity crisis. It outlines how the Council will fulfil its statutory function in delivering mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain and its obligations under the ‘enhanced’ biodiversity duty. It provides a strategic framework for biodiversity conservation in Wirral, aiming to address the root causes of biodiversity loss and promoting sustainable practices that foster wildlife-friendly habitats. In addition, this strategy is not just a Council initiative but a community endeavour, encouraging active participation from local communities, businesses, and wildlife organisations to take positive actions in their neighbourhoods and communities in partnership with the Council.

The strategy facilitates strategic collaboration and knowledge sharing, leveraging local expertise to co-design initiatives and maximise funding opportunities. While acknowledging the financial challenges ahead, it is vital that every initiative is targeted, informed, and will have a tangible impact. The Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee is asked to recommend this strategy as it presents a proactive blueprint for safeguarding and enhancing Wirral's rich biodiversity for both now and future generations.

The Environment Act 2021 imposes a clear legal duty on local authorities to actively conserve and enhance biodiversity. Moreover, the introduction of the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain requires developments to demonstrate a 10% increase in biodiversity, therefore the ‘do nothing’ option is not feasible or appropriate. A passive stance would not only risk the decline of vital ecosystems and species but also forfeit the many benefits that a thriving biodiversity brings to Wirral’s communities, including ecosystem services and contributions to human well-being. At this critical point, inaction would fail to uphold the Council’s legal responsibilities and there would be a missed opportunity to foster a resilient, sustainable, and vibrant local environment for the present and future generations of Wirral.