Biodiversity - What is it and why is it important?
Biodiversity is the wealth of wildlife in terms of the number of species and their habitats. It includes those that are both rare and threatened, and those thought of as commonplace.

Cambridgeshire has suffered declines in a number of its species and habitats for many different reasons including increased development pressure and agricultural intensification. This has led to a decrease in the overall biodiversity value of the countryside and consequently the quality of life for the people living here.

Public and private greenspace can be managed to provide a much-needed habitat for our native wildlife. The trees and plants they support can help reduce flooding by limiting the amount of water running off paved surfaces and they can also have a moderating effect on temperature and humidity in urban areas.

Having contact with nature and access to the countryside and open greenspace has been shown to have beneficial effects on our well-being, as well as providing an opportunity and incentive for outdoor exercise. In urban areas trees do more than just improve the scenery - they can improve air quality and provide shade.

We can all take action to help conserve and enhance biodiversity ensuring a better future for people and wildlife. 

Why not download the information sheet Do your bit for wildlife (link on right hand side) to find out what you can do at home, at work and in your leisure time to help biodiversity.