Message from Steve Gilbert, the Chair of SEEBF

Biodiversity is not only important for its own sake, but also contributes to our economic and social well-being. South East England contains an immense wealth of natural assets, which play a key role in maintaining the region as an attractive place in which to live and work. However, biodiversity in the region faces difficult challenges, and we need to find ways of accommodating economic growth and housing needs, and addressing the implications of climate change, whilst maintaining and enhancing the natural environment. The South East England Biodiversity Forum is an independent advisory group made up of statutory bodies, local authorities and non-governmental organisations, working together to promote the importance of biodiversity and its role in the future of the region. I am delighted to Chair the Forum at this crucial time.

To find out more about the Forum, please contact Tom Butterworth, SEEBF's Regional Biodiversity Coordinator.

The South East England Biodiversity Forum is an independent advisory group made up of statutory bodies, local authorities and non-government organisations which identifies, advises upon and responds to the biodiversity challenges in the South East. It engages key regional stakeholders to ensure that development in the South East is truly sustainable.