The Environment Act 2021 introduced a strengthened ‘biodiversity duty’ which requires all public authorities in England to consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Since 1 January 2023, all public authorities have been under a statutory duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
This statutory duty applies to Government departments, local authorities, planning authorities (including national park authorities) and statutory undertakers. The actions taken by relevant authorities for biodiversity will contribute to the achievement of the Government’s national goals and targets on biodiversity.
As the First Purpose of the National Park, undertaking activity to enhance biodiversity and bio abundance is an intrinsic remit for the Authority. As a National Park Authority, we therefore include information about how we have complied with the biodiversity duty as part of our Management plan.
The first report period covers the period: 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025. Future reports will be published as part of our Management Plan cycle which will comply with the requirement that reports must be published within 5 years of the end date of the previous reporting period.
The Peak District National Park Biodiversity Duty Statement outlines how the Peak District National Park Authority complies with the biodiversity duty.
Peak District National Park Authority - Biodiversity Duty Statement
As the Local Planning Authority for the Peak District National Park, we report quantitative data indicating how we have met the 10% net gain requirement and followed the biodiversity gain hierarchy.
There have been 9 biodiversity gain plans approved:
On site there has been a net gain of 5.08 units and an average 22.39% gain across approved biodiversity gain plans.
Peak District National Park Authority - Biodiversity Net Gain Report