Biodiversity Duty Report
Under the Environment Act 2021, all local authorities must consider how they can conserve and enhance biodiversity in everything they do. This is known as the biodiversity duty. Local Authorities must publish a report showing the actions they have taken to protect nature and how they plan to continue this work. Following this, reports must be published every 5 years.
How We’re Supporting Nature in Redbridge
London Borough of Redbridge are committed to improving the natural environment across the borough. Since 2023, we’ve:
- Expanded wildflower meadows and long-grass areas
- Restored ponds, orchards and woodland habitats
- Installed bug hotels, dead hedges and other wildlife features
- Prioritised native planting across parks and developments
These actions help pollinators, birds, mammals and other wildlife to thrive across our parks and open spaces.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
New development now plays a key role in nature recovery. Through mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain, major planning applications must deliver at least a 10% improvement in biodiversity. Several Redbridge developments have already exceeded this, and we’re exploring a new Council-owned habitat bank to support future projects.
Working With Our Community
Residents and volunteers have:
- Contributed thousands of hours to conservation projects
- Adopted tree pits and helped maintain Pollinator Pathways
- Created community gardens
- Joined our Restore Nature Pledge, committing to improve over 300,000m² of land for wildlife
We also run workshops, guided walks and school programmes to help people learn about local nature.
Monitoring and Protecting Local Wildlife
We carry out regular surveys of birds, butterflies, amphibians, plants and habitats, helping us track biodiversity and guide conservation work. We collaborate with Vision RCL, Natural England and environmental organisations to protect key species such as great-crested newts, skylarks, water voles and hedgehogs.
