How can I ensure that my organisation complies with the Biodiversity Duty?

Category: Biodiversity

How can I ensure that my organisation complies with the Biodiversity Duty?


The ‘Biodiversity Duty’ is an obligation placed on all public authorities to have regard for the purpose of the conservation of biodiversity.

The organisation that the duty applies to includes all government departments, local planning authorities, Network Rail, operators of the gas, water and electricity supply networks, the Post Office, the Environment Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority, NHS trusts and higher education authorities.

The Duty applies to the existing functions of all of these organisations. It means that whatever they are doing, they must consider ways to conserve biodiversity in the process.  This may mean reducing impacts on biodiversity, for example, sourcing materials from sustainable sources and reducing energy consumption, or managing land holdings in a manner that enhances biodiversity, for example by undertaking a biodiversity audit and developing a management plan.

Developing and implementing policies on biodiversity would be another good way to demonstrate that the Duty is being implemented. For more information or help with implementing your Biodiversity Duty, please give us a call on 01483 466000.