Biodiversity
Biodiversity describes all the different varieties of living things on earth. It incorporates animal species, plant species, ecosystems and landscapes.
We're serious about conserving and enhancing biodiversity on our land and we play a vital role in maintaining and improving Yorkshire's environment. Our focus is on our uplands, wetlands, surface waters, streams, estuarial and coastal waters.
We're one of Yorkshire's largest landowners, with approximately 32,000 hectares, much of it within designated areas including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks. In addition, 12,000 hectares are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and include 17 nature reserves and a number of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Our region contains 35 UK priority habitats of national or international importance for conservation, including the largest area of lowland raised peat in England, 52% of the UK's limestone pavement and 28% of the UK's upland heathland.Current and historical records are also held for 173 species of national conservation importance within our region.
We've implemented a
biodiversity strategy (PDF 23kb) and have a
biodiversity action plan, which will enable us to prioritise and report our activities in this area effectively.
