Introduction

The Audit

The Audit brought together, for the first time, information on habitats and species of conservation importance in North West England. The data is presented to show the distribution of species and habitats so that those agencies, authorities, and managers, with responsibility for land management and planning can readily identify those species and habitats that they need to consider. For all habitats and priority species there are profiles and descriptions that can be downloaded. 

What can the Audit be used for and who will use it?

• To produce targets within Local Biodiversity Action Plans
• To provide information and status baselines against which future performance in biodiversity conservation may be assessed
• To stimulate further recording, and research into those habitats and species for which more information is required
• To indicate priorities for funding opportunities
• The Government Office for the North West will use the Audit as reference material for ensuring that the region is delivering sustainable development using biodiversity as a key measure. It will also require the Audit to inform policies in relation to regional planning and nature conservation
• Assist the Regional Development Agency in its efforts to achieve sustainable development
• Input to Regional Planning Guidance
• Regional agencies including Natural England, the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and DEFRA will use the information to ensure that biodiversity conservation is considered in their future plans for the region
• Provide guidance to landowners and farmers and their representatives in terms of identifying important conservation issues on their land
• Local authorities will use these data to assess the impact of their land use policies and practices on biodiversity conservation. Working with their partners to survey and collate biological data, biodiversity may be monitored through the Local Biodiversity Action Plan process and Development Plan preparation
• Provide guidance for local communities and the voluntary sector on priorities for local biodiversity initiatives

How accurate and comprehensive is the Audit?

The data in the report were drawn from published sources where possible, but in many cases such sources were either not available or incomplete.  The knowledge and experience of many individuals familiar with the region was used to fill the gaps, but it is still likely that there are omissions and inaccuracies. This Audit can be used as a basis for data collation in the review of Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs), but should be supplemented by local searches for information specific to the area concerned. Any additions or corrections which readers consider should be made to the contents of the Audit, should be passed to:

Natural England, Pier House, Wallgate, Wigan WA3 4AL.