Top marks for conservation

With otters returning to Birmingham and wild orchids growing on a number of sites across the city, Birmingham City Council has earned top marks for its commitment to biodiversity. In the first ever national survey of its kind, a staggering 98 per cent of Birmingham City Council controlled Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) have been judged to be in favourable management. Meanwhile 68 per cent of Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINCs) are also under favourable management.

Launched last year, the Improved Local Biodiversity Indicator (NI 197) is an annual healthcheck looking at how conservation management is implemented. In layman’s terms that means projects like the management of hay meadows to encourage the return of wildflowers Another success story has seen the return of otters to Birmingham waterways in recent years – this is clearly illustrated by the increasing number now found in Kingfisher Country Park.

Councillor Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sports and Culture, said: “These figures demonstrate Birmingham City Council’s very real commitment to biodiversity and nature conservation. “The results are a credit to the people involved. That means parks staff and the often unsung army of volunteers who take a great pride in our parks and open spaces.

“The importance of our green spaces cannot be overestimated and wide variety of plants, animals, birds and insects found across the city only add to the quality of life in Birmingham.”