Biodiversity in Bexley

About Bexley's wildlife

Making it happen!

London Borough of Bexley is committed to working with local residents and other partners including government agencies, conservation organisations, companies, landowners, land managers and schools to deliver on the Bexley Biodiversity Action Plan.

Trees and a lake

Projects

Bexley's Biodiversity Action Plan includes proposals for a programme of wildlife and and habitat survey work in which anybody can take part. Activities could include dawn chorus counts, bug hunts, pond watches, reptile and amphibian surveys, wildfowl counts - all organised and led by experts.

There are also proposals for habitat and species protection projects which will need help and support from residents, community groups, schools, colleges, industry and landowners.

Natural Environment Focus Group

This Group has a wide membership drawn from local resident, wildlife conservation, educational and landowning groups. It is a member of Bexley's Environmental Network and has worked closely with the Council on laying the foundations for Bexley's Biodiversity Action Plan.

Bexley's Biodiversity Partnership

The Partnership is made up of people and organisations who support Bexley's Biodiversity Action Plan. The Partnership has a major role in influencing the Plan and organising practical action that will ensure the Plan succeeds. More partners are welcome. A commitment has already been received from:

English Nature
Environment Agency
Countryside Agency
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Butterfly Conservation (Kent)
Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group
London Wildlife Trust
Kent Wildlife Trust
The Woodland Trust
North West Kent Countryside Project
Woodlands Farm Trust
Groundwork Federation
East Wickham Conservation Volunteers
Foots Cray Meadows Preservation Group
Joydens Wood Support Group
Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteers
Sidcup Natural History Society
Slade Green Nature and Conservation Group
Bexley Civic Society
Bexley Education Business Partnership
Bexley Federation for Allotment and Leisure Gardening
Bexley London Borough Federation of Residents Associations
Erith Yacht Club
London & Quadrant Housing Association
Orbit Housing Association
Northend Primary School
BICC General
Railtrack
Thames Water Utilities Limited
Thamesmead Town
Henkel Chemicals Limited
James McNaughton Paper Group Limited
Ferndale Foods Limited
Bexley Trading Services
Turfsoil Limited

How can you help?
In the garden

Manage at least part of your garden for wildlife
Plant native trees and wild flowers
Visit the Flora for Fauna Garden and other environmental demonstration gardens at Hall Place for inspiration
Build a pond with a shallow end to allow wildlife access
Recycle organic materials by making a compost heap
Think of safe natural alternatives to herbicides and pesticides
Help wildlife during periods of drought or hard winters by providing water, food and shelter.

Pond

Work with others

Support and join wildlife conservation groups
Get together with friends and neighbours and set up your own local wildlife group or park/open space support group
Contact London Borough of Bexley about its "Adopt A Tree" scheme
Plant and look after up to 20 free trees - contact North West Kent Countryside Project on 01322 294727
Join in Biodiversity Plan projects and activities
Ask for advice from conservation experts on what else you can do to protect and look after Bexley's habitats and wildlife.

Biodiversity group

Keep your eyes open

Keep and share your own habitat and wildlife records
Become a wildlife recorders for your local area
Report any dangers to habitats and wildlife to London Borough of Bexley as soon as you can
Take part in organised survey activities such as garden birdwatches, fungal forays, butterfly hunts and pond dipping.

At school and work

Create wildlife habitats in schools, colleges and places of work
Put up nest boxes for birds and bats
Pick up litter which is dangerous to wildlife, such as cans, bottles, plastic and fishing line
Dispose of harmful chemicals safely at London Borough of Bexley's Re-use and Recycling Centres
Enter the Bexley Environmental Challenge competition - telephone 01322 356968
Take part in School Environmental Projects - advice and support for schools 020 8836 8343; Bexley School Ecology Project funding 020 8308 7789

A Garden

For more information on how you can help, please contact Mark Taylor, LA21 Co-ordinator, Civic Offices, Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7LB, telephone 020 8294 6558.