Ecology in Local Government

Local Authority Land

Local authorities are major landholders. They own thousands of hectares which are protected by national and international conservation designations, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves, Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation. However, local authority commitment to nature conservation is particularly demonstrated by their own declaration and mangement of Local Nature Reserves and country parks.

Other local authority land holdings are important too: all schools should have wildlife areas, and there are many opportunities for incorporating nature into landscaping schemes around local government buildings and new development. Nature conservation can be integrated into farm management on the local authority estate and influence how road verges are maintained.

Through demonstrating exemplary practice, local authorities can set a standard for other institutions and landowners to follow.

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Land Management