Biodiversity and Nature Emergency

The biodiversity of East Lothian includes over 4,000 species of invertebrate, over 300 species of bird, 28 species of mammal and 3 species of reptile. It also includes woodlands, the coast, ponds, moorland and so on

Biodiversity is the variety of life. This simple phrase summarises everything that biodiversity is, but does not quite convey its depth or importance. Biodiversity is all the different plants and animals, and the habitats where they live. 

Many species have become extremely rare over the last few decades with some species becoming extinct. Loss of habitats, pollution and climate change all affect plants and animals.

Over 150 government leaders have signed an international agreement to conserve biodiversity. This agreement is known as the Convention on Biological Diversity. A UK Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced, as well as a Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to tackle biodiversity issues across the country. Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) have also been written to help local wildlife.

East Lothian biodiversity is a partnership of local and national organisations that seeks to promote biodiversity across the county. The biodiversity action plan summarises  wildlife in East Lothian and lists those habitats and species that are a priority for conservation action in the county.

Nature emergency feature
Foraging bumblebee

Nature Emergency

At the full Council meeting of 31 October 2023, East Lothian Council unanimously voted to support a motion to declare a nature emergency.

The motion proposed by Council Leader, Norman Hampshire, recognises that biodiversity is in decline and the impact that climate change is having on wildlife and nature.

The motion approved:

  • notes the body of evidence which outlines the alarming extent of the global nature and biodiversity crisis - nature is in decline and urgent action must be taken to reverse this
  • recognises the inherent value of nature, as well as its crucial importance as an integral part of culture and society, and for our health, wellbeing, and economy; this being demonstrated through placemaking, tourism, food, energy, water and air quality regulation, etc.
  • additionally, recognises that the nature and climate emergencies are intrinsically linked and that nature plays a key role in meeting climate targets, particularly for climate change adaptation and resilience
Council declares Nature Emergency
Biodiversity accordion

Biodiversity in East Lothian

Nature Networks in our Parks and Greenspaces

Nature Networks in our parks and greenspaces

We are keen to bring nature closer to our communities, by enhancing and extending our nature networks and boosting biodiversity in our parks and greenspaces. This will bring wide ranging benefits not just to nature, but also to the health and wellbeing of our local communities, and will help us tackle the climate emergency.

 

Following the success of nature restoration projects across East Lothian’s countryside sites, this project will identify, explore and provide advice on opportunities in parks and greenspaces in our towns and villages, supported by our communities. We will aim to deliver these over the coming years.

Our report and action plan on ‘Improving Nature Networks for East Lothian’s Communities’ is available for download.

Download Improving Nature Networks for East Lothian’s Communities

Helping wildlife flourish

A nature network connects nature rich sites, restoration areas and other environmental projects through a series of areas of suitable habitat, habitat corridors and ‘stepping stones’ for wildlife. These include hedgerows, longer grass, meadows and trees, rain/bog gardens or wetland areas. As well as helping our wildlife, other benefits to nature networks include helping us to adapt to climate change in our urban areas.

Nature Networks explained

Restoring habitats

Biodiversity is in decline. One of the driving factors is the fragmentation of habitats and habitat loss. Parks, remnants of natural habitats and other greenspaces are important for biodiversity in urban and developed spaces. Managing these areas for biodiversity and having nature networks will help connectivity and restoration of habitats across urban and rural landscapes. This will help resilience and healthy ecosystems, supporting East Lothian’s biodiversity and bringing positive benefits of nature closer to where people live.

Climate ready places

7 ways to support nature recovery

The UK has pledged to protect 30% of our land and seas by 2030 to support nature recovery.

What can you do to help?

In the news

Council awarded £23,000 grant to improve Nature Networks in the county

Funding boost for £1million Scotland’s parks initiative

Nature Networks expanding across East Lothian

East Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan 2025

East Lothian's Local Biodiversity Action Plan is currently being updated by East Lothian Council and delivered and advised by East Lothian's Biodiversity Partnership. 

The plan explores the ambitions of restoration, conservation and protection for East Lothian's priority habitats and species. It aims to make sure that habitats are connected and in good condition to build and enhance East Lothian's Nature Network. It also seeks to conserve and protect species to support their recovery and resilience to environmental changes, as well as embedding the importance that people have in responding to the nature emergency and what nature can do for the health and wellbeing of our communities.

View our draft Local Biodiversity Action Plan View our draft Priority SpeciesView our draft Priority Habitats 

 

 

Biodiversity Report

Biodiversity report

Under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act (2004), all public bodies in Scotland are required to further the conservation of biodiversity when carrying out their responsibilities.

The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act (2011) further requires public bodies in Scotland to provide a publicly available report, every three years, on the actions which they have taken to meet this biodiversity duty.

Biodiversity report