About Us
Welcome to Haslemere Biodiversity
Responding to Haslemere's Climate and Biodiversity Challenges
We are living in extraordinary times. Our natural world is under threat; climate changes, habitat loss, pollution and poor land management have resulted in a nature crisis that if left unchecked will have consequences for all. Biodiversity is important in its own right and as an indicator of wider environmental health. We rely on biodiversity for food, clean air and water; improving our natural surroundings delivers significant benefits for our quality of life.
Haslemere is rich in wildlife but used to support much more. There are a number of national, county-level, and European designated sites in and around the area and a variety of habitats; heathland, woodland, tributaries of the River Wey and other priority habitats such as acid grassland and traditional orchards. We represent one of the last strongholds for several rare species including at least twelve species of bat, the European dormouse and the Nightjar. Many of these are protected under national and international law.
The Challenge
Nurturing Nature's Diversity
Haslemere Town Council’s 2019 climate and biodiversity emergency motion recognises the urgency of the situation and the direct impacts on the abundance, distribution and phenology of the plant and animal communities. Much of the land local to Haslemere area is of high value to wildlife conservation in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.
Haslemere occupies a unique location, with the South Downs National Park abutting the town’s southern edge and the Surrey Hills National Landscape (previously Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) wrapping around the remaining three sides of the town. Almost all of the land surrounding this beautiful area has some form of ‘green’ protection and there are two large Biodiversity Opportunity Areas (BOAs) that abut our borders.
BOAs identify the greatest opportunities for habitat creation and restoration, enabling resources to be focused where they will have the greatest impact. Initiatives in and around BOAs have the potential to positively affect wildlife populations across a much wider area.
The challenge locally is not only to better protect these sites, but to make habitats work better for species making their homes there, triggering exponential effects over a much larger area. Protecting what is left has not halted species decline, so we must find new ways to revive the natural world that surrounds us.
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Protected Sites
Woodland Coverage
Wildlife Corridors
Our Mission
To connect, enrich and expand our green spaces for wildlife and for people
Vision, Mission
Elevating Haslemere: Creating a Sanctuary
The area is rich in habitat value and variety and many rare species make their home here. Although there is some degradation and permanent severances of one habitat from another (e.g. by busy roads or the railway line) there are many small things that can be done to improve connectivity and the potential to become a wildlife haven is within reach. In many parts of the UK that potential is simply no longer there.
Vision: To become a recognised haven for wildlife with a series of well-connected, well-managed habitats that enable species to flourish and become abundant.
Mission: To connect, enrich, expand and selectively re-wild green spaces in and around the Haslemere area.
Our Goals
Sustaining Biodiversity: Haslemere's Path to Conservation Excellence
Build Strategic Alliances
Grow our relationships with local and National partners to attract funding, expertise and recognition for our biodiversity conservation work
Advocate for Biodiversity in Policies
Work with legislators and planners at Town, Borough and National level to ensure biodiversity is a key priority in policies affecting the area and that processes are in place to ensure policies have effect on the ground
Facilitate Collaboration
Provide a platform for the many local and national wildlife/ conservation groups active in this area to share ideas, experience and best practice and ensure that efforts have maximum benefit for wildlife
Implement Monitoring Systems
Monitor and measure the effect initiatives have on local biodiversity
Raise Community Awareness
Raise awareness of local biodiversity issues and activities through effective communication and community engagement
Promote Sustainable Tourism
Work with local partners to grow Haslemere’s reputation as a destination for green tourism; rich in walking routes and wildlife
Haslemere Nature Recovery Strategy
Embracing Nature: Haslemere's Path to Renewal
The Environment Act 2021 requires all counties in England to produce a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). The purpose is to reverse biodiversity decline and restore, create and connect habitats across England.
Building on the environmental policies in the Haslemere Neighbourhood Plan and with the help of ecologists and consultants, we have produced a Nature Recovery Strategy for Haslemere. Work to align the Strategy with that of Surrey County Council is ongoing, as is engagement with other stakeholders to agree and deliver priority actions.
The Nature Recovery Strategy is for everyone and includes advice about what Haslemere residents can do to create a more resilient and sustainable haven for nature.
Habitat Improvement, Connection and Rewilding
A Community Effort: Making Local Spaces Work Better for Wildlife
Join us in community initiatives where local residents and volunteers collaborate to transform green spaces for leisure and wildlife. Through thoughtful consultation and teamwork, we will enhance these areas, preserving the town’s character and natural beauty. Together, let’s cherish and protect mature trees, woodlands and hedgerows and ensure a sustainable future for Haslemere’s unique biodiversity.
The natural environment in which our town and villages are nestled is highly valued by local residents. This is reflected in the second of four strategic objectives in the Neighbourhood Plan: “To protect and enrich our green spaces, biodiversity and the natural environment that surrounds us”.
Many organisations are working on biodiversity and there are National and County level plans, but work is needed to adapt and translate them into local action plans and mobilize residents on the ground. The Haslemere area Neighbourhood Plan aims to protect biodiversity and the environment with policies covering trees and hedgerows, dark skies, local green spaces and biodiversity net gain . At consultation, draft biodiversity policies were supported by 90%+ of respondents, with several urging for them to be strengthened or taken further.
Comprehensive national State of Nature Reports highlight the UK as one of the most nature depleted countries in the world and biodiversity in the Surrey State of Nature report shows sharper declines than most. Despite major works to identify and protect habitats in recent decades, wildlife has been decimated by centuries of persecution, pollution and habitat loss and steps taken have not been sufficient to halt declines. 13% of 8,840 species assessed are regarded as threatened with extinction and the UK Priority Species indicator has declined to 37% of its 1970 base-line value.
Wildlife cannot speak up on its own behalf and has been left behind in claims on land and food. Our voiceless flora and fauna need people to push their needs forward and to volunteer time to making a difference.
Partnerships established and growing
In collaboration with:
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