London species like hedgehog, house sparrow, starling and grass snake have been added to the new list of priority species and habitats announced last week by Joan Ruddock, Biodiversity Minister. Species and habitats are included on the list because they are internationally important, in rapid decline or under serious threat. The new list will guide future wildlife conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP).
Familiar London wild animals like hedgehog and house sparrow are in decline and now need our protection and assistance. London habitats such as rivers and ponds are also included in the list for the first time. As is the category of open mosaic habitats on previously developed land (brownfield sites), which can support rare and diverse wildlife often found nowhere else in London, such as shrill carder bee and black redstart.
Steve Whitbread, Conservation Manager at London Wildlife Trust says,
‘We are pleased that the revised lists have set a framework for future action, but these are only lists. The important thing is making sure that action follows. There needs to be a commitment to resource such action. The UK government has signed up to an international agreement to halt biodiversity loss by 2010 and there are now statutory obligations on all public bodies to have regard to biodiversity conservation.
'London Wildlife Trust has already undertaken action to conserve species such as stag beetle and water vole, and on habitats such as chalk grassland and ancient woodland. But despite the efforts and many successes of the Trust and other wildlife organisations in London, there are considerably more losses than wins and there is a danger that when the lists are next reviewed the number of species that have further declined or whose few London populations have been lost altogether will outweigh the achievements.
‘Everyone can do their bit to help wildlife in the capital. Individuals can garden to encourage wildlife and support organisations like the London Wildlife Trust by volunteering or donating. Businesses and public bodies can get involved to halt biodiversity loss too. London Wildlife Trust will be pleased to encourage their efforts and provide advice. For more information go to www.wildlondon.org.uk.’
The new priority list
The new list is an update of the 1994 UK BAP list and now covers 1149 species and 65 habitats. It has increased dramatically in numbers since the original list was compiled because the review involved a more rigorous analysis of a wider range of species and habitats, in particular less well known species such as invertebrates (235 new species) and lower plants (230 new species).
The list will be used by Natural England to help develop the Section 41 list of species and habitats of principal importance in England under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act. It will be used by other country administrations to develop their own lists.
Progress with species and habitats
• We have seen mixed progress since 1994. The last reporting round showed us that UK-wide 27% species and 39% habitats were still declining
• Some species have been removed from the 1994 list as new sites have been surveyed or populations have stabilised, such as the medicinal leech and pipistrelle bat, (the commonest bat in London). Others including three species of bumblebee have rapidly become extinct.
• In London, new reed beds have been created, supporting water vole and other wetland species, whilst meadow restoration/creation, even in urban parks, has benefited a range of invertebrates including moths and butterflies.
• Despite the 1947 prediction of the eminent naturalist Richard Fitter that the once common heron was unlikely ever to return to London as a breeding bird, the Heron Action Plan in London has been so successful that it is to be wound up, and effort focussed on wider habitat restoration.