‘Biodiversity’ is a combination of the words 'biological’ and  ‘diversity'; it simply means 'the variety of life', including the complete spectrum of living organisms from plants and fungi to birds, mammals, insects, bacteria and viruses.

Scientists and Ecologists consider preserving ‘Biodiversity’ as very important. Every species of plant and animal, and the ecosystems of which they are a part, has a unique place in the delicately balanced systems of the natural environment.
 
Important sites in Hyndburn with regard to biodiversity are protected under specific designations. Examples of such sites are given below:

County Biological Heritage Sites (CBHS) – total of 453 hectares

A CBHS is a non-statutory wildlife site that is considered to be of at least County importance. Within Hyndburn, the CBHS’s are considered to comprise the priority biodiversity resource. An example - Foxhill Bank Nature Reserve, St Andrews (8.674 Ha)

Foxhill Bank lodges were originally constructed for storing water for the dyeing and printing of fabrics; they have long since fallen into disuse and ruin and vegetation has colonised the buildings. This Biological Heritage Site is precious as it exhibits a mixture of habitats in a small area. The mosaic of vegetation lining Tinker Brook, combined with the undisturbed scrub and bramble provides an excellent site for wildlife in a predominantly urban area. 

Ancient Woodland Sites – total of 95.589 hectares

Land is designated as Ancient Woodland if it has had continuous woodland cover since at least 1600AD.  An example – Priestly Clough (9.033 Ha)

Priestly Clough is a semi-natural (consisting predominantly of native trees and shrubs) ancient woodland in the Spring Hill area. The woodland contains areas of grassland flushes, wetland and stands of oak, alder and sycamore, which extend along a steep sided narrow clough.

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

SSSIs are defined as any land of special interest because of its fauna, flora, geological or physiographical features.  Within Hyndburn there is one SSSI comprising of two former quarries, known as Harper Clough and Smalley Delph situated about 1.5 km and 1 km west of Great Harwood respectively. The quarries are designated as an SSSI because they provide excellent exposures of a series of rock layers originally formed in the Namurian period of geological time, about 315 million years ago.

Local Nature Reserve

English Nature have suggested that Local Authorities provide one hectare (ha) of Local Nature Reserve (LNR) per 1,000 people; this is a target to improve peoples quality of life.

Fisheries information

The ‘North of England angling guide’ contains details of fisheries locations, information, byelaws etc; this can be obtained from the Environment Agency on telephone: 08708 506 506.

Things that you can do to help in Hyndburn.

         Find one way to encourage wildlife into your garden – install a birdfeeder?

         Support wildlife organisations in your local area e.g. become a local volunteer