Page 66 - Ickford NP Consultation Report

66 VISION FOR ICKFORD : ICKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN CONSULTATION REPORT

Survey - General Situation
Whilst the data from our Survey and others is reasonably encouraging, we know
that nationally we are faced with a rapidly emerging set of challenges concerning
Biodiversity. In fact the
Government has now published a 25-Year Environmental Plan which sets out
a comprehensive long-term approach to protect and enhance our environment
and biodiversity. Ickford is not isolated from these challenges and so the pursuit
of our objectives and policies is essential and in line with Government Policy.
It is apparent that the biggest single factor affecting our local wildlife population
now is the rapid reduction and fragmentation of suitable habitat in our over-
developed landscape. This is not only about housing and infrastructure
development but also the loss of hedges, woodlands and flower diversity. For
example, almost all plants that Butterflies might use as food plants have gone.
Therefore our determination behind our Plan must be to arrest this decline
and take positive steps to enhance our fauna and flora. Our Vision and Objectives
in the Ickford NDP reflect this.

VISION FOR ICKFORD – NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN
www.visionforickford.co.uk