The Craven Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has been finalised and will be officially launched at the Mid Craven and Ribblesdale Area Forum Meeting on Tuesday 13th May 2008.  Information on the Local BAP will also be available at all the Spring 2008 Area Forum Meetings being held throughout the District in the coming months.

BAPs are part of a global initiative which looks at ways in which we should protect our plants, animals and habitats.  The UK government pledged to take action against the loss of habitat at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and as a result the UK Biodiversity Action Plan was published. 
                                   

Government recognised that biodiversity would have to be delivered at a local level and this lead to the production of district and county wide Local BAPs.

The functions of the Local BAPs are:

• To translate national targets for species and habitats into effective action at the local level.
• To identify targets for species and habitats important to the local area and reflecting the values of local people.
• To stimulate effective local partnerships to ensure programmes for biodiversity conservation are developed and maintained in the long term
• To raise awareness of the need for biodiversity conservation and enhancement in the local context
• To ensure opportunities for conservation and enhancement of biodiversity are promoted, understood and rooted in policies and decisions at the local level
• To provide a basis for monitoring and evaluating local action for biodiversity priorities, at both national and local levels.  

Each Local BAP works on the basis of partnership to identify local priorities and to determine the contribution they can make to the delivery of the national Species and Habitat Action Plan targets.

Craven District Council commissioned North Yorkshire County Council to work with other organisations to develop a Local BAP for Craven out side of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Council is very grateful to all of the people who have helped to write the Local BAP, many of whom are from local conservation groups and have given their time freely and generously.

The Local BAP for Craven has now been finalised.  Copies of the document are available to download via the links down the left hand side of the page.  Alternatively, hard copies are available to view at Skipton and Settle Town Halls, Granville Street Council Offices, Public Libraries throughout the District, and can be supplied by request to the Council Offices via the contact details given below.

Planning Policy
Council Offices
Granville Street
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 1PS

The Craven Local BAP will be provide valauble evidence for writing policies in the Local Development Framework and will be used by Development Control Planners to inform future planning decision.