The NERC Biodiversity Duty

The NERC Biodiversity Duty

The Biodiversity Duty is set out in Section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 and states that:

“Every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.”

Invitation to Seminars

For a Word document version of the invite and booking form click here NERC Interpretation Sessions invite and booking form.doc

The Biodiversity Duty and You

Interpretation days for Local Authority and Parish Council employees and members

The Surrey Biodiversity Partnership is running free interpretation days to help people from all departments look at what they can do to conserve biodiversity whilst going about their daily tasks.

· Find out how to meet your statutory obligations on biodiversity.

· Find out about the latest legislation and how it affects you.

· Discover ways in which you can deliver on the duty.

· Learn the latest on European protection of species eg bats.

· How to engage with and benefit from the Surrey Biodiversity Action Plan and meet some of the key partners.

· Hear how to make best use of the Surrey Biological Record Centre.

· What simple measures can you implement to encourage some of our much loved wildlife species? – Hear from a range of species experts.

· In 2009 government will request reports on delivery of the duty. We’ll look at reporting parameters and delivery mechanisms.

Venues and Dates

There are three dates around the county aimed at Local Boroughs and One full day event aimed at Parish Councils. Lunch will be provided at 1pm.

• 5th Feb 2008, Tues. 9.30am-2pm. Dapdune Wharf, Wharf Road, Guildford,GU1 4RR Find Venue
• Cancelled 20th Feb, Wed. 9.30-2pm. NB This date is being rescheduled due to low booking numbers - a NEW date has been arranged for the 30th April.
• Sat 23rd February 9.45am-4pm. Parish Councils are invited to a day at East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Avenue KT24 6QT
• 26th Feb, Tues. 9.30-2pm. Spelthorne Borough Council, Knowle Green, Staines, TW18 1XB Find Venue
• 30th April, Wed. 10.00am - 2.30pm at Redhill Methodist Church, Gloucester Road, RH1 1BP. Find Venue

To book a place

Fill in the booking form on the word document NERC Interpretation Sessions invite and booking form.doc

Target Audience

The events will be aimed at Local Borough and Parish Council staff and members. Planning departments; Environment Services; Grounds Maintenance; Countryside and Parks; Community and Leisure; All departments welcome – if you are coming we will aim to cater for you.

A series of inhouse events will be run for the County Council and a regional seminar will be run for public bodies and businesses.

Who Else Should Be There?

Please pass on the details to colleagues and let us know if we have missed out a department or group who would be interested.