Biodiversity & nature conservation
In February 2003, the council approved the preparation and
implementation of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Tower
Hamlets. Facilitated by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the
Action Plan was prepared by the 'Tower Habitats' partnership; a
group with representatives from key council departments and a range
of local and regional groups and organisations.
The Tower Habitats Partnership produced a first draft, which was
launched in March 2003 in the Eco Pavilion, Mile End Park. Tower Hamlets Council also
signed up to the Memorandum of Understanding with the London
Biodiversity Partnership. The publication of the draft in March
2003 was seen as the beginning of a long term programme of action
involving all partners.
Since the launch, the council has supported many initiatives to
enhance biodiversity and nature conservation at sites across the
borough. New local nature reserves have been declared at the
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and at the
Mudchute Park. Other parks have seen
the creation of wildflower meadow areas and the introduction of
bird and bat boxes. New water areas have also been created and
lakes have been restored to improve wildlife habitats.
Ecological surveys have discovered insects and spiders that have
not been seen in London before or that have been absent for over 50
years. All of the borough's Green Flag Parks have been surveyed and
action plans are being developed to further enhance these and other
sites.
Local biodiversity action plan
The
current LBAP runs from January 2009 - December 2013.