Biodiversity In Epsom & Ewell

Biodiversity is the word used to describe the complexity and abundance of life on Earth in all its forms. 

The intricate network of ecosystems, habitats and species comprising biodiversity provides the support systems that sustain human existence, providing many of the essentials of life; our oxygen, water, food, clothing, health and relaxation.

Consequently, humanity must 'Act locally and think globally' by adopting sustainable ways of living that ensure the protection of biodiversity. 

A 'Local Biodiversity Action Plan' has been produced for Epsom & Ewell to help ensure both the long term protection and enhancement of biodiversity within the Borough.  The plan can be accessed by using the link below.

A Foreword from Chris Packham

When you are a kid size matters and thus the magnificent male Stag Beetles emergence was an eagerly anticipated annual event . A nearby street had some monstrous oaks and a diversion from the normal route to school would pay dividends and fill my jam jars. To be fair these creatures have lost none of their allure over the years but now it's not just their size that matters, it's their importance as a flagship species - they along with the Oaks which nourish their peculiar larvae. So I'm not surprised that you have chosen them as your local heroes to champion the Biodiversity Action Plan - and you have impressive numbers of these giants too!

In simple terms any community's biodiversity is a measure of its health and stability. The more niches that are filled the better the natural machine will function and prosper. Thus nationally, regionally and locally we have constructed plans which aim to protect and enhance the richness of life at these respective levels. All have their roles but local strategies are tremendously important because they are implicitly governed by those who live, work and influence that community - these are formulated, enacted and enjoyed by those 'on the ground'. They are about 'personal wildlife conservation'!

In these days where doom and gloom is a constant temptation I remain optimistic about our abilities to make a difference because we have such a well-stocked armoury of abilities to effectively conserve life. We have studied it, tested it, we know what we need to do. The introduction of grazing on Epsom Common has seen superb revivals in butterfly and plant diversity and even established a future for a population of the charismatic Yellowhammer. This has only been achieved by many years of tireless volunteer endeavour - an essential component of contemporary conservation.

And ultimately this success is good for us to. We uniquely have a conscience so we have to try to do what we know is right, but also we can enjoy a better quality of life as a result, the sight of a Stag Beetle whirring across the dusk sky or the charming song of the Yellowhammer with its 'little bit of bread but no cheese' can make your day. And that's the real key here; it will make your day and not mine, because the borough of Epsom & Ewell is yours. You mend it, restore it and protect it and you can revel, be proud of and enjoy it! Superb!

Chris Packham 2012

Epsom & Ewell Local Biodiversity Action Plan (pdf - 1.55mb).

Implementing the plan

The working group which oversees the implementation of the plan produced its first progress report in December 2011 and our aim is to produce an annual update which can be accessed using the links below.

Epsom & Ewell Biodiversity Action Plan Progress Report 2011 (pdf - 186kb)

Epsom & Ewell Biodiversity Action Plan Progress Report 2012 (pdf - 2500kb)

Biodiversity & Planning in Epsom & Ewell

An important target for the plan is to ensure that the conservation and/or enhancement of biodiversity becomes a key part of the Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) planning decision making process. In January 2012, EEBC adopted a new guide called Biodiversity & Planning in Epsom & Ewell (pdf - 50.56mb). The guide gives guidance on the protection and enhancement of biodiversity via the planning system.

If you have any questions about the plan, please contact Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Customer Services on 01372 732000 or via email and ask to be put in touch with the Countryside Team.