Nature conservation

Nature conservation is defined as 'the protection and enhancement of wildlife and wild places'.

As part of our conservation vision, we aim to:

• secure a better future for wildlife
• improve people's understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of it

To do this we:

• work with local, regional and national organisations
• encourage landowners to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of wildlife on their land
• provide advice to York residents on grants related to the rural and natural environment
• give guidance to councillors on wildlife and nature conservation
• provide advice to schools, landowners and farmers
• provide advice on land management
• assess planning applications regarding nature conservation and protected species
• develop nature conservation policies for York
• establish and review the current state of wildlife in York
• ensure key sites are protected within the framework of existing legislation
• implement the hedgerow regulations
• provide information and advice regarding trees and woodlands within York
• provide information about local countryside events
• work with voluntary conservation groups and training organisations
• manage public rights of way
• manage land specifically for wildlife and local nature reserves

Creation of nature conservation areas

We can advise you on creating nature conservation areas and managing existing areas if you're a:

• community group
• school
• farmer or landowner

We may be able to offer financial support for nature and landscape conservation schemes.

Also see

• Environment and animals
• Local nature reserves