Biodiversity in Eastleigh
Our biodiversity action plan for the Borough of Eastleigh
Our Borough contains rich habitats including ancient semi-natural woodland, unimproved flower-rich grassland, heathland, saltmarsh, wetland and chalk rivers. We have a range of protected and rare species that rely on these habitats.
- Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2034
- Map: Priority areas and links
- Map: Important designated nature conservation sites
Securing our Natural Environment builds on the previous Biodiversity Action Plan (2012-2022) by reviewing and updating the priority areas and links with the most potential for maximising ecological enhancements. The plan includes lists of target species and habitats for conservation within each priority area. It can be used to guide biodiversity projects and to encourage greater ecological uplift in the Borough.
The Council is already actively involved in developing projects on our own land holdings that will contribute towards the targets set out in the strategy.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Hampshire (LNRS) has been developed to provide specific information on the highest priority areas for delivering nature recovery as part of the requirements of the Environment Act 2021. It identifies areas where habitat creation, restoration or enhancement would be most beneficial and is available here.
Section 11, the Ecology Action Plan contains a list of the actions we intend to take to help deliver the strategy and to improve biodiversity in the Borough during the life of the plan. Many of the actions will require cooperation with partnership organisations.
Appendix Three lists the relevant plans, policies and strategies which help to shape our work.
The biodiversity duty is a legal responsibility that requires Eastleigh Borough Council to consider, agree, implement and report on its actions for biodiversity. Our first report covering the period January 2024 to January 2026 can be found at the link below. This report not only outlines the actions the council has taken to protect and enhance biodiversity but also serves as the first annual update on progress towards the targets set in the Biodiversity Strategy.