Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of living things on Earth, whether that’s plants, animals, fungi or other living organisms and the ecosystems they live in.

Subscribe to our Newsletters
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe to our Leicestershire newsletters for the latest news, tips, and support.

Indicates required field
Select your Subscriptions

See our privacy section. You can unsubscribe at any time from within the emails you receive.

Biodiversity and action for nature

In Leicestershire, biodiversity is under threat due to several factors, including:

  • Habitat loss and species loss
  • The introduction of invasive species
  • Exploitation of natural resources and minerals 
  • Poor water and air quality
  • Loss of soils
  • Climate change 

We are one of the poorest counties for biodiversity and conservation value in the UK, as our Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) represent only 2% of the land - compared to the national average of 6%. 

The importance of biodiversity

Conserving and enhancing Leicestershire’s biodiversity helps:

  • Our health and wellbeing – providing spaces we can relax, learn and exercise
  • The local economy – we benefit from the environment as it enables us to produce a variety of food, medicines, and other products. 
  • Environment – it can help to absorb some of these harmful greenhouse gases and reduce the impacts of climate change.  

Make a difference in Leicestershire

  • Make space for nature every day in your garden and homes. The Wildlife Trust and other organisations have many gardening tips on their websites.
  • Buy products that are visibly sustainably sourced products if you can.
  • Get involved in volunteering and encourage others to do their bit for nature. 

Our role in protecting biodiversity

The Action for Nature document and delivery plan sets out a strategic approach to biodiversity, habitat, and the local environment for the county council. 

The Leicestershire biodiversity action plan is a partnership document that outlines the priorities in the county and sets out a programme of action to improve biodiversity.