SEEBF work

Areas of work

Regional Biodiversity Data

Understanding the current state of our environment is crucial in planning the future of wildlife in the South East.  SEEBF is working with the region's Local Records Centres and Local Biodiversity Partnerships to create a regional overview of the extent and condition of habitats and species within the South East.  This 'regional dataset' will be able to inform the annual review of spatial strategies such as the South East Plan and Regional Economic Strategy.  

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Policy development

SEEBF provides a common voice on biodiversity issues in the South East – and advises regional policy makers on wildlife issues.

SEEBF is advising on the development of important regional strategies - such as the South East Plan and Regional Economic Strategy.  The Forum aims to provide policy advice that is clear and unambiguous, and easily translatable into action.  It builds on SEEBF's production of a spatial map of 'Areas of Strategic Opportunity for biodiversity', which identifies the priority location for biodiversity restoration and creation at a South East England level.  The areas shown in the plan have been selected because they:

• are an existing source of biodiversity;
• include linked clusters of designated sites; and
• offer the right conditions to create valuable wildlife habitats.

The benefits arising from this framework extend beyond wildlife and conservation. They will contribute to a better quality environment with enhanced public access and the health and exercise opportunities afforded by green spaces.

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Regional Biodiversity Strategy

SEEBF is currently reviewing the region's biodiversity strategy 'Action for Biodiversity' to provide an agreed vision for wildlife in the region in the next fifty years.

The strategy will:

• provide a common agenda on biodiversity across the region;
• link across social, economic and environmental agendas.
• provide clear and updated biodiversity targets;
• link to monitoring requirements of strategic planning documents;  
• show , through case studies, how individual sectors can benefit from and improve the region's biodiversity; and

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Reaching Biodiversity targets

National, regional and local action is required meet biodiversity targets.  SEEBF liaises with national bodies such as Defra's Local and Strategy Implementation Group as well as Local Biodiversity Partnerships in each county, to ensure biodiversity objectives are incorporated and delivered at all levels.

SEEBF is currently working closely with LBAP partnerships to ensure the partnerships are properly funded and able to deliver national and regional biodiversity objectives.

A quality environment benefits all sectors of the region's economy.  Action for biodiversity can be achieved within business, planning, the water industry, agriculture, forestry and education.  The South East England Biodiversity Forum is working with these sectors to help identify how they can benefit biodiversity – through case studies, training and advice.

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Enriching Nature Programme

SEEBF provides an expert Project Assessment Panel for SITA's Enriching Nature grant, in the SOuth East.  The panel advises on all applications and how they help meet the region's biodiversity objectives.

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