Statement of biodiversity priorities

Introduction

Biodiversity refers to various life forms or species, including plants, animals, fungi, and micro-organisms.

A stable and healthy variety of species provides a wide range of benefits that enable people to survive, from fresh water, clean air, and climate regulation to food, medicines, mental and physical wellbeing and more.

These benefits do not typically come from individual species but from a rich variety of species working together and interacting with each other in their natural habitats (ecosystems).

What the statement includes

In 2023, authorities across England were asked by the Government to start developing Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs) to publish in 2025. This was a requirement from the Environment Act 2021. The Act also explained that the written statement of biodiversity priorities must include:

• a description of Oxfordshire’s biodiversity and natural areas
• opportunities to recover or improve biodiversity
• our priorities for recovery and the wider benefits they bring
• proposed actions to support these priorities

Some actions are specific to certain species. These are listed in the LNRS Species Priorities List.

What the priorities aim to achieve

The priorities aim to:

• create, restore or improve habitats
• support local species
• connect habitats to help species move and adapt
• increase resilience to climate change

Each priority has a set of actions, called 'potential measures', that help achieve it.

How actions are mapped

Some actions are mapped to specific locations on the LNRS Local Habitat Map. These areas are chosen because they offer the greatest benefit for biodiversity. Not all the measures have a particular location mapped for their delivery. 

Other actions are not mapped. This is usually because:

• they can be delivered in many places across Oxfordshire
• we do not yet have enough data to map them

Unmapped actions are still important and should be delivered where suitable.

Using the habitat map

The table in the document shows whether each action is:

• mapped to a specific location
• countywide and suitable for many areas

Mapped actions help expand and connect existing habitats. However, actions outside mapped areas can still support nature recovery.

All sites must be checked before work begins to make sure they are suitable and meet regulations, including those related to heritage.

Climate change

At the time of writing, the actions were expected to be the most suitable ways to support the recovery of these habitats. 

However, there are expected changes to climate patterns with warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers predicted, as well as increasing extremes in weather events and storms, although the exact nature of the changing patterns may be unpredictable. 

The LNRS recommends that the actions listed below should be adapted, if necessary, based on the latest understanding of climate change in order best to support the recovery of these habitats in Oxfordshire.

How the priorities were developed

We gathered ideas from local people and organisations. These were grouped into themes like:

• creating meadows
• improving river conditions

Local experts then refined these into the final list of priorities and actions.

Using the document

The document includes 40 biodiversity priorities and 85 potential measures.  These are grouped mainly through habitat type, such as grasslands or road verges. Each priority and action has a code (e.g. PM01, PM02) to help you find them on the Local Habitat Map.

Links are included throughout the document to help you find useful guidance on how to create or improve habitats. You can search for alternative guides. We recommend you seek expert advice before planning a nature recovery project.