Biodiversity Duty
The Environment Act 2021 introduced a strengthened biodiversity duty which requires all public authorities in England to consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Defra guidance on complying with the duty was published in May 2023.
The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP25), published in January 2025 sets out Government’s plans for improving the natural environment.
By 2030, the Government has committed to halt the decline in species abundance; and to protect 30% of UK land to support the recovery of nature.
By 2042, the Government has committed to:
- Increase species abundance by at least 10% from 2030.
- Restore or create at least 500,000 hectares of a range of wildlife rich habitats outside protected sites.
- Reduce the risk of species extinction; and
- By December 2030 50% of SSSI’s to have actions on track to achieve favourable condition.
The council is required to report on the actions taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity, achievements resulting from our actions, and proposed future actions.
2024 First consideration
The council completed its first consideration of the Biodiversity Duty in 2024. The objectives and initial actions (now superseded) to comply with the Biodiversity Duty are summarised.
Biodiversity Duty Report (1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025)
The Council’s first Biodiversity Duty Report has been published.
The Dover District Biodiversity Duty Action Plan for the period 2026 – 2030 was agreed by a meeting of the Dover District Council Cabinet on the 2nd March 2026.
Future Reporting of the Biodiversity Duty
The Council’s next Biodiversity Duty Report and a reviewed Action Plan must be published by the 31 December 2030.