Section 102 of the Environment Act (2021) introduced a stronger duty for Local Authorities to conserve and enhance biodiversity, through modifying Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.
The amended NERC Act says that there is a ‘general biodiversity objective’, to conserve and enhance biodiversity in England. This strengthened duty requires the Council to take proactive steps, set policies and objectives to protect species and enhance habitats, and make periodic assessments to ensure they are actually improving nature, not just maintaining the status quo.
Further, Local Authorities must set deadlines for initial and subsequent reviews of their actions. Each Local Authority was required to publish its first Biodiversity Duty report by 26 March 2026. The next review period is in 2031.
Sutton Council first adopted a formal commitment to protect and enhance biodiversity through the adoption of the first Biodiversity Action Plan in 2005. This was updated in 2010 and then further updated as the Biodiversity Strategy in 2020, to mesh with the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, ensuring that all open space management was integrated and aligned.
The Biodiversity Duty report presents a synopsis of the Council’s work over the last 5 years since the publication of the Biodiversity Strategy and other actions within the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.
The Biodiversity Duty report is, in part, also a celebration of the work that the Council and partners have undertaken to protect and enhance nature within Sutton, and to give thanks to all of the time and effort received from volunteers helping in various capacities.
This includes Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers working with the Biodiversity Team, volunteers for multiple Friends of Parks groups, Sutton Tree Wardens and volunteers working with the South East Rivers Trust.
The Council thanks everyone that has contributed toward the Biodiversity Duty report, to further nature in Sutton.
Download the full Biodiversity Duty Report.pdf
A plain text version of the report can be made available within 10 working days by emailing biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk