Celebrating 25 years of biodiversity action

The Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Partnership is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan.  City of Edinburgh Council officers, partners and community volunteers gathered to celebrate the occasion at an event in the City Chambers in November, hosted by the Lord Provost. 

The partnership has created a video which you can watch online highlighting some of the work and successes that have taken place over the last 25 years.

The Action Plan is a city-wide programme for nature delivered by the Edinburgh Biodiversity Partnership. There are over 30 partner organisations in the Partnership, supported by the City of Edinburgh Council and chaired by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The Partnership has delivered a huge amount for nature in the City since March 2000 when the first plan was launched.  

Delivering a nature rich city

In the last 25 years, areas of habitat, such as woodland, have increased which has benefits for nature and people. We also have many new wildflower meadow areas supporting our pollinators. Many of which are managed by volunteers or Friends of Parks groups.

The number of Local Nature Reserves has doubled since 2000. These are mostly on Council land and managed by the Natural Heritage Service. 

Species, which were once rare or absent, have increased. For example, otters have returned to our rivers and are now breeding in Edinburgh. Other rare species have expanded and spread to new sites including plants and butterflies.

A city rich in nature has benefits for health and well-being. A healthy natural environment also makes us more resilient to the impacts of climate change. Parks, gardens and greenspaces keep the city cool during heatwaves and slow down flooding during heavy rain. 

People are at the heart of this success

The commitment and enthusiasm from the Partnership and volunteers are vital to the success of the Edinburgh Biodiversity Action Plan. Some partners, individual staff members and volunteers have been involved for the whole 25 years. Much of the work delivered relies on a huge volunteer effort, supported by Council teams and partners such as the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. 

In Edinburgh we are very fortunate to have a rich community of biodiversity experts to support conservation efforts. Groups like the Edinburgh Natural History Society, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and many others are key to this and a great source of knowledge and information.

For more information you can visit the biodiversity section of the City of Edinburgh Council website.