The Biodiversity Action Plan is made up of a series of documents produced from 2000 to 2005.

Habitat Action Plans have been produced to provide a framework for action to conserve and enhance the Island’s biodiversity. These plans link with national Habitat Action Plans.

The majority of these plans have been written by Jonathan Cox, under the direction of the Isle of Wight Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group. Many organisations have been consulted in their preparation, to ensure that they receive support from those who will have the responsibility for carrying out the actions they propose. Steering Group members and the wider IW BAP Partnership.

In the majority of cases, the actions proposed in these Habitat Action Plans will also meet the requirements of the species associated with them. A small number of Species Action Plans have been produced for species with particular requirements.

The objectives are based on the following principles:

• Ensure no further loss or degradation of the habitat
• Increase the extent of the habitat
• Improve the quality of the habitat
• Ensure the needs of the species associated with the habitat are met
• Improve the knowledge of the habitat, and its associated species by survey, research and monitoring
• Raising awareness

The actions are grouped under the headings:

• Habitat protection
• Habitat management, incentive schemes and other resources
• Species action
• Survey, research and monitoring of the habitat and its associated species
• Communication, publicity and awareness across all sectors of society

The progress of each plan is monitored annually and reported to the Steering Group. Each plan will be reviewed and revised as appropriate at five-yearly intervals.

The Biodiversity Action Plan is a working document and will be subject to change, particularly as new information becomes available. The species tables produced in the audit of July 2000 have been reviewed in the light of further information received from local specialists, and as a part of ongoing survey work. Further revisions will be produced as necessary.

Relationship between National Habitat Action Plans and Isle of Wight Local Biodiversity Action Plan

2002

• Maritime Cliffs and Slopes HAP
• Grazing and Grassland Management Topic Report
• Calcareous Grassland HAP
• Heathland and Acid Grassland HAP
• Lowland Meadows HAP
• Wetlands HAP

2003

• Priorities for Woodland Biodiversity on the Isle of Wight
• Woodland HAP
• Red Squirrel Species Action Plan