Biodiversity Action Plans

Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) identify the threats to species and habitats and set out what needs to be done to protect them and reverse declines. SERC has a role in all aspects of the Local BAP process, through writing habitat and species action plans, implementing them and reporting on the outcomes.

The species records and habitat information held by SERC provide a reference for biodiversity across the county, crucial to monitoring the success of the plans. Records of National and Local BAP species found in the county can be accessed via the data enquiries service. Local recording groups provide the majority of these, and SERC works with them and partner organisations to help build up a comprehensive picture of the distribution of BAP species and habitats across the county.

Somerset BAPs

The Somerset Biodiversity Strategy and the LBAPs for Somerset complement the national plans, with targets and action focussed at a more manageable scale. They include some species and habitats not covered by the UK BAP to take into account local conservation priorities. There are county-wide plans and plans for each district, the Quantocks AONB, and Exmoor National Park.

Partnership working

The local plans were produced and adopted by the Somerset Biodiversity Partnership, which is made up of representatives from wide range of local authorities, private organisations and conservation bodies, including Somerset Wildlife Trust and SERC.

You can find out about the work of the partnership, and how you can get involved via the biodiversity section of Somerset Wildlife Trust's website. 

The latest list of Somerset’s priority species is available for download here. Copies of the local plans are available via Somerset County Council’s website.

Delivery and reporting

Training and support is provided by SERC to help partners use the Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS). Details can be found of individual targets and actions, the progress made towards meeting objectives, and of the organisations involved in carrying out the work.

SERC has a lead role in delivering some of the work and supporting other organisations with delivery of some of their targets.