Biodiversity

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity encompasses the whole variety of life on Earth. This includes all species of plants and animals, the genetic variation among them, and the ecosystems of which they are a part. It is about the commonplace as well as the rarities.

Why is biodiversity important?

• A biodiverse planet is a healthy planet, the communities of plants and animals that make up life on Earth contribute to the production of clean air and water, and healthy soil.
• Many new foods and medicines have been discovered thanks to the variety of plants and animals on the planet.
• Biodiversity provides pleasure to people, and a source of income for sustainable businesses.
• Biodiversity makes up the character of the landscapes around us.
• But most of all, there is intrinsic value in the variety of plants, animals, fungi and the habitats and ecosystems they inhabit.

Conserving biodiversity in the Peak District is about conserving this range of wildlife habitats, species, and ecological processes for the current generation and for generations to come.

What can you do?

• Join a local conservation group to work on nature reserves or community projects
• Run an environmentally friendly business
• Follow the Countryside Code
• Use public transport
• Create wildlife-friendly gardens at home, work or school
• Make your buildings and gardens bird and bat friendly
  Wildlife and Buildings (2MB)
• Enjoy the wildlife on your doorstep
  Wildlife on your doorstep (80KB)
• Reduce, re-use and recycle
  Reduce re-use recycle (140KB)
• Buy local products and services produced in sustainable ways
  Buy local and sustainable (90KB)