Orchard Network

Background

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) is the UK government's response to the 1992 Rio Convention on Biological Diversity. This landmark treaty was signed by more than 150 nations, each pledging to take steps to ensure the conservation of biological diversity. It is a co-ordinated strategy involving many partners, which aims to identify, conserve and enhance our biodiversity at the national and country level.

Habitats and Species

The UK BAP is broken down into a series of separate action plans, for habitats (Habitat Action Plans - HAPs) and species (Species Action Plans - SAPs) that are considered threatened. They are known as 'priority' species or habitats. Each plan gives a definition for each habitat or species, describes the threats they face and sets out objectives and targets that are needed to conserve them. The list of priority species and habitats was last reviewed in 2007 and now contains action plans for 1149 species and 65 habitats. It was in this last review that Traditional Orchards received their much needed 'priority' status.

National Links

UKBAP - Find out more about the UK BAP

Natural England - Find out more about the UK BAP

Natural England - List of UK priority habitats and species

Image: Stephen Robson