Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 8049 Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage Attention should be paid to the appropriate management and conservation of natural features, wildlife and flora; landscape features; and buildings and structures. Their particular character and requirements should be identified and appropriate management strategies put in place to conserve and enhance them. This section is judged under three criteria: 19 Management of Natural Features, Wild Fauna and Flora 20 Conservation of Landscape Features 21 Conservation of Buildings and Structures 19 Management of Natural Features, Wild Fauna and Flora The particular natural features, the habitats and species of the site should be identified, their characteristics understood, and appropriate management strategies put in place to conserve and enhance them. A site is likely to contain a number of different habitats, each with its own particular management requirements, but decisions should also be taken in the context of the site as a whole. Any official designations should be noted and the requirements for management adhered to; all types of habitats present should be identified and their management approach detailed and delivered. Habitat management can take an informal or a formal path, but it needs to be appropriate, with consideration given to what is feasible and practical within the context of the site, while managers should be able to explain their choices and the decisions made. Judges will be looking to see that managers understand the unique natural features of the site, its historical context and physical setting, the needs of the community, and what is feasible, practicable or desirable in the future. They would like to see that all decisions to manage, create or promote the natural features, wild flora and fauna on the site are made with reference to this understanding. The current management strategy and future plans should be detailed within the management plan. On site, judges may ask questions about the kinds of decisions that have been taken and the rationale behind them. Issues to consider: + Potential for sites to form part of a network for wildlife, as natural floodways or open spaces, to buffer and enhance + The presence of any ancient trees, or historic tree or plant collections and how they are identified, managed and promoted + Local historical or social links with types of biodiversity or particular habitats + Links to wider local and national strategies – including Local Nature Partnerships, National Pollinator Strategy, health and wellbeing and nature, natural play, forest schools, involving people in ‘growing their own’, green infrastructure and climate change adaptation Section 5