Foreword from the Director of Environmental Services

Bexley's Biodiversity Action Plan is the result of an extensive partnership between the Council, Bexley's Local Agenda 21 Network and a large number of other local groups and national agencies. This partnership was born out of the desire and commitment to improve the conservation of Bexley's biodiversity. This Plan follows the lead from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and anticipates the forthcoming Mayor of London's Biodiversity Strategy.

Bexley's Biodiversity Action Plan shows the Council's commitment to conserving and enhancing biodiversity in the Borough. It will ensure a co-ordinated approach is taken in caring for Bexley's biodiversity.

The Council is committed to 'improving quality of life' in Bexley for everyone. It has six key aims to deliver on this pledge, which are:

• Promoting education for life;
• Improving health and well-being;
• Sustaining prosperity and extending opportunity through regeneration;
• Making our community safer;
• Caring for our environment; and
• Making the most of our leisure time.

Protecting and enhancing Bexley's biodiversity is a vital part of the key aim 'Caring for our Environment'. However, biodiversity as with many issues under Bexley's Local Agenda 21 process, supports all of the Council's key aims.

Biodiversity is a vast education resource for all ages. Quality open spaces provide an opportunity for people to experience 'quality leisure time' and to improve their health. A greener and more biologically diverse environment also makes for a more attractive and desirable area, to live and work.

Biodiversity is more than just a 'green issue' it is about 'improving the quality of life' for everyone in Bexley. This Biodiversity Action Plan is designed to be a living document that will safeguard and develop Bexley's Biodiversity over time and I commend it to you.

Peter Ellershaw
Director of Environmental Services