Harrogate Borough Council
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Nature
Our natural surroundings are important for our quality of
life, but plants and wildlife can be threatened by human
activity.
Problems include
air
and water pollution, which can also result in acid rain; increasing
intensive farming practices; habitat loss due to development; the
introduction of some non-native species; and demand for aggregates
used for road building.
air
and water pollution, which can also result in acid rain; increasing
intensive farming practices; habitat loss due to development; the
introduction of some non-native species; and demand for aggregates
used for road building.What can you do?
- Buy organic food and goods. These are
produced without chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides or growth
regulators, without unnecessary cruelty to animals and using a
sustainable system
- Only use as much washing detergent as you
need. It contains phosphates, which can kill fish and other
organisms in lakes and rivers. Use eco-friendly products when
possible
- Encourage wildlife in your garden. Plant
flowers to attract insects butterflies particularly like buddleia,
honeysuckle and large daisy-like flowers; birds like berries and
fruit.
- Put up a bird table and bird feeders to
provide food during cold weather; or put up a bird box or bat
box.
- Avoid using peat in your garden. Removing
peat for use in gardens destroys fragile moorland habitats.
- Make a pond to encourage water life and
insects
- Leave a small patch of grass untended,
only cutting it once or twice a year This will encourage insects,
which provide food for birds and other wildlife
- Set up an allotment. By growing your own
vegetables you can be sure to avoid chemical fertilizers and
pesticides, and the vast distances food so often travels.
- Join a local box scheme for organic
produce delivered direct to your door.
- Get involved in a conservation group to help protect your local environment. Some grants are available for community projects
The council's role
Harrogate Borough Council works in conjunction with a number
of organisations to conserve the species diversity in the
District.
The council also works in partnership with the Harrogate
Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, which helps to protect
local biodiversity. For more information, visit the UK Biodiversity
Action Plan page at www.ukbap.org.uk, then select
Locate by map; England; Yorkshire and Humberside region; and
Harrogate BAP.
There are 52 conservation areas in the Harrogate
District.
There are planning rules to protect countryside
hedgerows in the Harrogate District.