Biodiversity - Sustainable Amersham

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the shortened form of two words “biological” and “diversity”.

It is a term used to describe the enormous variety of life on Earth and can be used more specifically to refer to all of the species in one region or ecosystem. — National Geographic Society

There are usually 3 main types of biodiversity that are discussed: diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity) and between ecosystems (ecosystem diversity). The different types of animals and plants that live in the ocean is an example of biodiversity. Biodiversity is the most complex feature of our planet and it is the most vital. The myriad of interactions that occur have made Earth habitable for billions of years!

Nature needs to be able to cope with change. Different animals and plants in a habitat help to make that place stable and sustainable. Small changes will have fewer effects, allowing it to keep providing us with what we need. — Natural History Museum

Local issues & actions

Chesham Bois Parish Council has a sustainability group and are working on the common next to Bricky Pond. By reducing how much the grass is mown they are hoping to increase biodiversity. In Tenterden Spinney 140 new trees were planted in November 2020 and more in Bois Wood bringing the total in both areas to 400 new saplings. These are native Chiltern species, including oak, maple, grey willow, birch and rowan. This should offer a more resilient mix for future health, help to promote native species and improve biodiversity. Read the Management Plan for Chesham Bois Common and Woodlands.
Amersham In Bloom is a programme making Amersham a more beautiful place to live through planting, cleanliness and sustainability. With the help and enthusiasm of local schools, businesses, community groups and residents, Amersham in Bloom is making a real difference to our town.
In December 2018 over 30 heritage fruit trees were planted in Hervines Community Orchard, including many old apple, cherry and plum varieties found locally to Amersham. Old orchards provide the right conditions for moss and lichen to grow, offering a diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds, bugs, pollinators and other wildlife.
Sustainable Chesham has received a delivery of 300 trees from The Woodland Trust to plant locally.

What you can do

1. Support local farms. Buying from small local farmers helps the local economy and agricultural efforts to conserve biodiversity.

2. Save the bees.

3. Plant local flowers, fruits and vegetables.

4. Let some of your garden be left to nature.

5. Respect local habitats.
Know the source of the food you buy: support regenerative farming.

Resources

Rewilding Britain

Rewilding Britain is driving the rewilding movement, with local projects and networks. The website is full of information and ideas about rewilding.

Wildlife Trust

The Berkshire Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust has a vision of a wilder local area. They’re restoring nature across these beautiful counties and empowering people to

National Biodiversity Network

The National Biodiversity Network is the UK’s largest partnership for nature. Thirty thousand records are made every day by data partners. As a partnership they

GreenFacts

The GreenFacts initiative is a non-profit project with an independent Scientific Board and a non-advocacy policy. Their mission is to bring complex scientific consensus reports

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has lots of information about biodiversity and projects that are being carried out about biodiversity such as using genomic technologies to