Under the 2021 Environment Act, public authorities (including town and parish councils) operating in England must consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
Government guidance published on 17 May 2023 clarifies that, as a public authority, town and parish councils must:
- consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
- agree policies and specific objectives based on their consideration.
- act to deliver their policies and achieve their objectives.
In order to comply with the Act, the Parish Council first approved its Environment Policy, and then in 2023 appointed Biodiversity First to carry out a Wildlife Audit. These documents can be read below.
