Hackney has started the process of replacing its Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).  The BAP was developed by the Hackney Biodiversity Partnership and outlined priorities and set out a programme of action to improve biodiversity across the borough.  Developed and monitored by a group of local people interested in nature conservation the partnership has continued to meet monthly to monitor implementation.

The Local Nature Recovery Plan, which is being prepared by London Wildlife Trust,  is being prepared as a replacement for the BAP and will include nature conservation, biodiversity and ecological objectives as part of a new Green Infrastructure Strategy.  A draft will be presented to the Hackney Biodiversity Forum at their monthly meeting in September.  

A new Green Infrastructure Strategy is also being developed.   Prepared by infastructure consultants AECOM it will "identify options to increase the resilience of the borough and inform our policies in urban greening and biodiversity net gain".

All this is part of the council's efforts to improve local resilience to impacts of the climate emergency and is reported in the annual update on progress with decarbonisation commitments. 

Other strands in this priority include the council's tree planting programme and a review of Sites of Importance to Nature Conservation.

In the context of recent reports from WWF and the UN which highlight the dire state of biodiversity globally, and the need for urgent action we need effective action in Hackney to protect and support biodiversity locally.  As the pandemic has shown us, nature is critical to our wellbeing and the resilience of our communities.