Improving biodiversity in Port Sunlight
Status: In progress
Last updated: 12 July 2024
What’s happening?
Port Sunlight Village Trust has engaged The Environment Partnership (TEP) to undertake an ecological assessment of Port Sunlight and to use the findings to develop a biodiversity improvement plan. The project started in June 2024 and will conclude no later than September 2024. TEP’s ecologists will be on-site undertaking the ecological assessment 17-19 July. Here’s some more information about the project and why its important for Port Sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ecological survey and biodiversity plan?
An ecological survey is an assessment of an area or habitat and is used to understand the existing habitats and species associated, providing a ‘baseline condition’. Surveys are undertaken by a trained Ecologist and can vary dependant on the type of ecology information needed to inform decision making. For example, an ecological survey could be conducted to understand the type and quantity of animals, birds or insects present and/or the variety of habitats and their condition within a particular area. The information gathered is then utilised to inform actions to either protect, enhance, or create new opportunities for the habitats and species identified. This is called a biodiversity plan.
Why is it important?
Biodiversity is important for human survival. Biodiversity and ecosystems provide us with a range of goods and services that support economic and social wellbeing such as food, clean air, and regulation of the climate.
What sort of projects might be introduced in Port Sunlight to increase and improve biodiversity?
Projects and actions vary in size and complexity depending on a number of factors. They could be as simple as increasing bird boxes across an area to support nesting birds or changes to existing maintenance operations, e.g. how hedgerows are managed. Other projects can include adapting floral species diversity to provide more native species, introducing key pollinator species or improving water security and climate change resilience.
How might the biodiversity plan affect residents?
The biodiversity plan might result in changes in how we use some green space in the village, specifically areas which are found to have a high ecological value. It might also result in changes to our landscape maintenance operations. These changes won’t affect how residents use the village but may bring about subtle changes in appearance.
Its important to state that actions to protect, enhance, or create new opportunities for the habitats and species identified through the ecological assessment will be appropriate for the site and its community. And residents will have an opportunity to contribute their thoughts and ideas to the biodiversity plan.
An important aspect of the improvement plan will be raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and our work to protect, enhance and improve biodiversity in Port Sunlight through communication, signage and education.
Why is PSVT doing this work now?
This important piece of work has been in the pipeline for some time. In 2024, we are keen to progress the development of a site masterplan setting out how we will use buildings and green spaces in our ownership for the benefit of the community and visitors alike. The ecological survey and biodiversity plan is a foundational piece of work and will have a bearing on how green spaces with high ecological value are used in the future.
PSVT’s current programme of work to improve the energy efficiency of our residential property has also highlighted the benefits of being more publicly focussed in the delivery of our environmental sustainability strategy.
What do PSVT hope to gain from this project?
As a result of the project we will have an in-depth understanding of the ecological value of the green spaces in our ownership. This will aid decision-making, inform future strategies, guide landscape management regimes, and enhance public programming.
How can I get more involved?
Once the survey has been completed and the findings analysed, we will share the results with you via resident communication channels. We will also connect with the Landscape Advisory Group that is currently being set up. However, we don’t wish to just information-share, we also want to involve you in developing priority interventions to improve biodiversity in Port Sunlight that are appropriate for the village and our community. We’ll be in touch with you about this opportunity in due course. In the meantime, check this dedicated page for project updates.
