City of Lincoln Council has published its first Biodiversity Report, setting out how it is protecting and improving nature across the city.
City of Lincoln Council has published its first Biodiversity Report, setting out how it is protecting and improving nature across the city, as well as how it will meet new legal requirements on Biodiversity Net Gain.
The report has been produced in line with the Environment Act 2021, which requires councils to take action to conserve and enhance biodiversity and to report on that work.
It covers the period from January 2024 to January 2026 and outlines what the council has already delivered, alongside plans for the coming years.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a key part of this work. It means that new developments must leave nature in a better state than before, delivering at least a 10% increase in biodiversity.
The report highlights how the council is already working to achieve this through its planning policies and partnerships. All eligible developments are required to meet BNG standards, with ecological advice provided through the Central Lincolnshire partnership.
Recent council-led housing developments have also contributed, including Hermit Mews, which achieved a 17% biodiversity net gain through landscaping and green space improvements.
Beyond planning, the report sets out a wide range of actions already underway to support nature across Lincoln. This includes rewilding areas of public land, improving parks and open spaces, planting and managing trees, and working with partners to enhance habitats across the city.
The council currently manages over 400 hectares of parks, commons and green spaces, many of which are being adapted to better support wildlife.
Cllr Rebecca Longbottom, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place, said:
“Protecting and enhancing our natural environment is a key priority for the council, and this report sets out the practical steps we are taking to achieve that.
“Biodiversity Net Gain ensures that as Lincoln grows, we are leaving nature in a better state than before, whether that’s through new green spaces, improved habitats or more wildlife-friendly developments.
“We’re proud of the progress already being made across the city and will continue working with partners, residents and developers to strengthen biodiversity for the future.”
Looking ahead, the report outlines further steps to strengthen Biodiversity Net Gain. This includes improving monitoring of biodiversity outcomes, supporting developers with clear guidance, and identifying more sites where off-site biodiversity improvements can take place.
The council will also continue to work with partners on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, helping to target biodiversity improvements where they will have the greatest impact.
The Biodiversity Report will be updated every five years, with the next report due by 2031.