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.