Biodiversity Duty Report

Contents

• Introduction
• Bassetlaw's biodiversity context
• Policies and objectives
• Biodiversity actions taken during 2020-2025: summary
• Biodiversity net gain
• Council plans for next reporting period

Introduction

The Environment Act 2021 introduced a strengthened 'biodiversity duty' requiring  all public authorities in England to consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity in their functions.  

To fulfil this duty the Act also requires all local authorities and local planning authorities to publish a biodiversity report. Government guidance says by law the report must include  

• a summary of the action the Council has taken to comply with the 
  biodiversity duty 
• how the Council plans to comply with the biodiversity duty in the next 
  reporting period 
• any other information that is appropriate 

Reports from local planning authorities must include the following biodiversity net gain (BNG) information:

• the actions carried out to meet BNG obligations 
• details of BNG resulting or expected to result, from approved biodiversity 
  gain plans  
• how the LPA plan to meet BNG obligations in the next reporting period

To provide a complete picture of the Council and LPA’s approach to the biodiversity duty, this report also covers the following optional points:

• Information about the authority area 
• Top achievements 
• How the Council/LPA have considered the local nature recovery strategy 
  and protected site and species strategies 

The Environment Act 2021 also established a mandatory reporting requirement, obligating councils to publish biodiversity reports every five years.  

This report fulfils the Council's statutory obligation for the period 2020-2025 and in accordance with legislation will be published on the Council’s website and submitted to DEFRA.

Bassetlaw's biodiversity context

Bassetlaw has a rich and varied natural environment including a range of sites designated for their habitat and conservation value. 

Sherwood Forest prospective potential Special Protection Area (ppSPA) covers large parts of Sherwood Forest, some of which extends into Bassetlaw. The site potentially qualifies as a SPA because of the presence of breeding nightjar and woodlark. The populations in the Sherwood Forest region are believed to 
represent more than 1% of their total breeding populations in the UK.  

There are 20 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within Bassetlaw, covering 1,381 ha. These are all designated for biological features unless stated otherwise:  

• Ashton’s Meadow.
• Barrow Hills Sandpit.
• Bevercotes Park.
• Castle Hill Wood.  
• Chesterfield Canal.
• Clarborough Tunnel.
• Clumber Park.
• Creswell Crags (geological).
• Dyscarr Wood.
• Gamston and Eaton Woods and Roadside Verges.
• Mattersey Hill Marsh.
• Mission Line Bank.
• Mission Training Area. 
• Mother Drain, Misterton.
• River Idle Washlands.
• Scrooby Top Quarry (geological).
• Styrrup Quarry (geological).
• Sutton and Lound Gravel Pits. 
• Treswell Wood.
• Welbeck Lake.  

In addition, there are four Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) within Bassetlaw (Retford Cemetery, Woodsetts Pond, Daneshill and Langold Country Park) and around 323 Local Wildlife Sites, which are non-statutory sites of importance for nature conservation value and contribute to the landscape character and distinctiveness of the district. 

Reflecting its close historical ties with Sherwood Forest the district supports its northernmost reaches: over 10,000 ha of woodland, including 600 ha of ancient woodland are found within the district, almost double the average woodland coverage for England, bringing with it a wide range of biodiversity, air quality and 
amenity benefits.  

The district also has 11 strategic green infrastructure corridors running along river corridors, public rights of way and the Chesterfield Canal which connect multiple parks and local green spaces that provide access to nature close to peoples’ homes.

Policies and objectives

The Environment Act obliges the Council to complete the first consideration of what action the authority can properly take for biodiversity by 1 January 2024. In 2023 Council-wide discussions relating to a number of key documents including the emerging corporate and Local Plans, and Climate Change Strategy highlighted a number of biodiversity issues.

In March 2024 Cabinet considered a report entitled ‘Biodiversity Duty’ and confirmed the following policies and objectives would help fulfil the biodiversity duty:

• the corporate plan, Vision 2040 (approved 28 November 2023) - included a strategic pillar for enhancing natural environments and mitigating the impacts of climate change. A key priority was to secure biodiversity net gain, management and maintenance by adopting and implementing the Local Plan. 
• the Main Modifications to the Bassetlaw Local Plan (approved 10 August 2023) - included a strategic policy focussed on conserving and enhancing biodiversity through spatial planning and promoting biodiversity net gain. 
• Full Council agreed to the UK100 Net Zero Pledge on 21 September 2023 - to meet Net Zero council operations by 2030; to meet Net Zero areawide emissions by 2045; and to limit the use of offsets, and if used, for these to be as local as possible.

Strategic policy framework

Since January 2024 the Council’s policy framework and key objectives have developed further. This framework operates at multiple levels, from high level strategic commitments through to detailed planning policies that provide operational guidance for developers and Council Officers.

Vision 2040

The Council's approach to biodiversity conservation and enhancement is framed within the broader strategic context of Vision 2040, the Council’s corporate plan. Vision 2040 was refreshed in December 2024 retaining the ambition for Bassetlaw to become:

“The greenest, most sustainable district in which to live and work, building on its legacy of energy production, manufacturing and logistics to power the net zero economic.”

Vision 2040 is structured around six strategic pillars, one of which is specifically dedicated to the environment. It commits the Council to protecting and enhancing the natural and built environment, providing clear strategic alignment with the biodiversity duty. The actions documented in this report contribute directly to delivering Vision 2040's environmental ambitions and support the Council's commitment to becoming the greenest and most sustainable district.

The Council’s biodiversity duty delivery also aligns with other strategic priorities within Vision 2040, particularly the Healthy District pillar, which recognises the important connections between access to quality green spaces, physical and mental well-being, and nature conservation. 

Bassetlaw Local Plan 2020-2038

The Bassetlaw Local Plan, adopted on 29 May 2024, is a key part of the statutory development plan for the district. The Local Plan includes strategic policies for biodiversity protection and enhancement, recognising that the planning system has a crucial role to play in conserving and enhancing biodiversity, including at protected sites and within trees and woodland. It also promotes securing 10% biodiversity net gain as well as tree planting through new development.

Nottinghamshire and Nottingham Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)

The Nottinghamshire and Nottingham LNRS, published November 2025 establishes priorities for nature recovery across the county. The Council actively participated in the production of the LNRS as a supporting authority.

The main purposes of the LNRS is to:

• help reverse the ongoing decline of nature in England by establishing priorities for nature recovery. 
• identify locations in Bassetlaw and the county to create or improve habitats that are most likely to provide the greatest benefit for nature and the wider environment. 
• inform the delivery of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and guide local 
  planning policy for nature recovery. 

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Biodiversity Priorities Statement: identifying priorities for nature's recovery. 
• Local Habitat Map: mapping the most valuable existing areas for nature and 
  highlighting specific proposals for habitat creation or wider environmental 
  improvement goals.

Bassetlaw climate change strategy

Published in January 2024, the Council’s Climate Change Strategy sets out the Council's commitment to decarbonise council operations by 2030 and achieve district wide net zero emissions by 2045. This strategy is directly relevant to biodiversity through the following commitments:

• Enhancing natural environments and securing biodiversity net gain management and maintenance are identified as key components of the Council's climate response aligned with Vision 2040. 
• The carbon sequestration strategy supports and expands upon the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the approach to biodiversity net gain. 
• Identifying suitable Council-owned land for carbon sequestration through tree planting and habitat creation. 
• Establishing working partnerships for tree planting utilising the UK woodland carbon code for financing. 
• Rolling out tree planting with private sector partners and landowners. 
• Undertaking a feasibility study for large scale tree planting on low grade agricultural land and riparian areas, achieving carbon sequestration while supporting local flood defences.

Biodiversity actions taken during 2020-2025: summary

The Council has conserved and enhanced biodiversity in the following ways across its functions: 

Action Area	Key Achievements
Specialist Capacity	Recruited full-time lead ecologist to provide ecological advice and to build in biodiversity net gain in relation to planning proposals/corporate projects to ensure legislative compliance and to facilitate effective use of the LNRS. Introduced biodiversity net gain monitoring fees for relevant proposals to support the ongoing ecology function of the Council.
Guidance Package	Adopted the Bassetlaw Design Code and Biodiversity Net Gain Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) in November 2025 to provide detailed developer guidance about how to maximise opportunities for net gain and to incorporate wildlife friendly design in new development. Consulted on the Trees and Development and Clumber Park SSSI Recreational Impact SPDs to provide guidance to developers about how to manage trees, woodland and hedgerows in the development process and how to ensure housing growth mitigates its impacts on a protected site. Provided comprehensive biodiversity net gain information on the Council’s website. Introduction of a Tree Management Plan that sets out the procedure for the management and maintenance for all council-owned trees. Adopted the Langold Country Park Masterplan in 2022. It sets out a 10-year vision with the emphasis on Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage for this designated Local Nature Reserve with associated improvements to the adjoining Dyscarr Wood SSSI.
Supported Habitat Banking	Successfully supported private landowners through biodiversity land call for sites exercise, resulting in one registered habitat bank in Bassetlaw, one of the first in the County. Ongoing work to explore opportunities to use council land for habitat banking.
Mowing Transformation	Reduced from 14 cuts/year to prescriptive biodiversity mowing regime across parks, cemeteries, and open spaces. Public reports indicate increased wildlife including grass snakes, small mammals, and nesting buzzards.
Enhancing biodiversity in open/public spaces	Created 1600m2 wildflower meadow at Hannah Park with increased pollinator activity. Scrub clearance at Sandhill Lake Local Wildlife Site led to improved grassland structure. Promoted use of underused land at council allotments for biodiversity including for birds/bees. Introduction of planting and foliage within Retford Town Centre through partnership working including with the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board. Introduction of bird and bat boxes, new hedgerows and tree planting in The Canch, Worksop
Tree Planting programme	Planted 2000+ trees at the Council owned Kilton forest golf course to enhance biodiversity. Adopted sustainable practices on a range of sites: cordwood for habitat piles, retained standing deadwood where appropriate to encourage insects and other species.
Natural Flood Management	Provided support for the introduction of natural flood management scheme within the district in partnership with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Environment Agency.
Council owned Housing Developments	Secured biodiversity net gain and wildlife friendly design in council owned housing projects at Larwood House, Westmorland House, and at Conway Gardens
Environmental Responsibility	Used carbon-balanced paper for housing newsletters, offsetting 628 kg CO2 and protecting 120m2 tropical forest via World Land Trust.
Green Space Access	Through improving access to green spaces, raised community awareness of the importance biodiversity can bring to well-being. Litter picking, tidying, safety improvements and environmental enhancements at Sandhill Lake, in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, encouraged more positive, increased use of this important urban nature area.

 

Biodiversity net gain

To support the introduction of biodiversity net gain (from 12 February 2024 for major development and from 2 April 2024 for non-major development) - the requirement for all applications (without exemptions) to deliver at least 10% BNG, the Council:

• Established a dedicated biodiversity net gain planning guidance webpage on the Council’s website to ensure developers and applicants had access to information before commencement
• Adopted the Biodiversity Net Gain SPD in November 2025 following full public consultation
• Facilitated a call for sites for biodiversity sites to accommodate biodiversity units in the district
• Facilitated habitat banking site registration with private landowners
• Established a dedicated Ecology team with a full-time lead ecologist with specialist knowledge of the statutory biodiversity metric, biodiversity net gain legislation/regulations and other ecological processes/systems/assessments to provide robust assessment and guidance on planning applications/proposals in the district
• Provided training for planning officers and other relevant council officers
• Established a clear approach to calculating and securing monitoring fees through S106 legal agreements for developments with significant on-site biodiversity gain, on a cost recovery basis to support the ongoing operation of the ecology team

Approved biodiversity gain plans 

Since mandatory BNG commenced, the Council has approved one biodiversity gain plan delivering:

Unit Type	Units Created
Habitat units (on-site)	6.90
Hedgerow units (on-site)	0.60

 

Approval of a biodiversity gain plan occurs prior to commencement of development so this low number of approvals is representative of where relevant permissions are in their delivery pipeline. The council anticipates a substantial increase in biodiversity gain plans as development nears delivery and as applications progress through the planning system.

LPA Plans for BNG in the next Reporting Period

Based on the Local Plan development trajectory, the Council anticipates:

• A significant increase in biodiversity gain plan approvals annually with significant on-site and off-site gains
• An increase in monitoring fees secured through legal agreements to support the ecology team
• Acquisition of dedicated software for assessment, monitoring and data-rich reporting of BNG
• Comprehensive tracking of cumulative BNG across the district
• An increasing number of habitat banks and off-setting in the district, including through strategic planning opportunities.

Council plans for the next reporting period

The biodiversity duty relates to how the Council and Local Planning Authority conserves and enhances biodiversity in its functions. The Council is part of the programme of Local Government Reorganisation. As such, the Council/LPA will fulfil the biodiversity duty until the vesting date for the future unitary authority, expected to be in 2028. At that time responsibility for the biodiversity duty will transfer to the new unitary authority.

The Council has identified priority actions for the next reporting period:

Theme	Planned Actions
BNG Monitoring and Reporting	Establish a comprehensive monitoring programme by acquiring specialist software for assessment and data rich reporting (funded via monitoring fees).
Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) implementation	Align off-site BNG with Local Nature Recovery Strategy priorities. Support LNRS delivery on council land, where appropriate. Collaborate with partners and neighbouring authorities on landscape-scale projects including through regional growth projects.
Green Space Management	Continue refined mowing regimes on targeted sites across the district. Create 1000m2 wildflower meadow at Sandhill Lake. Expand wildflower areas on targeted sites. Monitor biodiversity improvements through annual surveys. Install interpretation boards to aid education and understanding.
Tree Planting	Improve planting resilience through better species selection and aftercare. With partners, continue Sherwood Forest restoration tree planting. Deliver tree planting associated with new development in line with Local Plan requirements as part of new development. Off site provision could be secured on Council owned spaces. Use financial contributions from new development to improve the management and maintenance of ancient and veteran woodland on Council owned sites.
Nature Based Well-being and Awareness	Deliver community sessions on bug houses and insect habitats. Ongoing promotion of underused land at allotments for biodiversity.
Council owned Housing sites	Consider options to exceed minimum 10% BNG requirement where practicable. Incorporate biodiversity positive features like bird boxes and hedgehog tunnels where feasible
Habitat Banking	Continue to advise landowners to facilitate additional habitat bank registrations.
Staff Development	Provide ongoing training to planning officers.
Partnership Working	Work with EMCCA to ensure environmental and nature recovery is embedded in regional growth projects in the district. Continue to work with partners like Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency and Natural England and key landowners like the National Trust to coordinate resources and capacity to deliver positive outcomes for the environment and at protected sites. Engage with neighbouring authorities on cross boundary projects to maximise biodiversity gains. As a consultee, continue to engage with NSIP developers to secure the best outcomes for biodiversity through these significant projects. Continue to work with the Nottinghamshire and Nottingham LNRS Partnership to identify projects and funding to deliver key priorities.
Policy Development	Adopt the Trees and Development and Clumber Park SSSI Recreational Impact SPDs. Review and update relevant Local Plan evidence base to inform any future planning documents.

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Last Updated on Monday, March 30, 2026