We must conserve the variety and richness of life on earth for our own enjoyment and quality of life. We also have a moral obligation to pass on to the next generation an environment that is healthy and intact. Regrettably we have already lost many species from our countryside but we cannot allow any more to reach the point of extinction.

We need to protect and enhance local and national priority species, habitats and areas of the North East in order to maintain the biodiversity of this area. Biodiversity is essential to our existence on this planet. Without the intricate network of biological systems, habitats and species the support systems that sustain human existence would cease to continue.

The North East Local Biodiversity Partnership was formed in 1996 from a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies and individuals with a common interest in conserving biodiversity.

The aim of the partnership is to protect and enhance the local biodiversity of the area by developing and implementing the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP).

An Action Plan is a working document that is used by local organisations and Local Biodiversity Action Plan Partners. Action plans lay out the measures needed for the protection of habitat, species or areas in the North East area.

Action Plans have already been prepared for a range of habitats and a number of species. These are listed below.