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Darwin's Landscape Laboratory Decision on World Heritage Bid Deferred
But Darwin's local heritage will continue to be celebrated and managed!
Darwin’s Landscape Laboratory, the bid selected by the UK government for World Heritage status has been deferred by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. At its meeting in Brasilia, Brazil during July the World Heritage Committee announced that although Darwin’s Landscape Laboratory was very strong in terms of recognising scientific achievement, further in depth study and analysis was needed before the site could be considered for World Heritage designation. The Committee voted to defer the nomination back to the UK authorities for these issues to be addressed. The UK stands by its view that Down House and its surroundings are a uniquely valuable site for the World Heritage of science. The properties included are all well looked after by English Heritage, the London Borough of Bromley and the Wildlife Trusts responsible, with good access and excellent information for visitors. Bromley Council is glad and proud to have Darwin's Landscape Laboratory in its care, and to be able to provide its heritage to the world. Much has been achieved in terms of partnerships, fund-raising, events and more during the bid process and the 'Discovering Darwin' Project. Further information about Darwin’s Landscape Laboratory is available at http://www.darwinslandscape.co.uk
Contact Information:	Alister Hayes 020 8461 7808 or Aimee Clarke on 020 8313 4665
e-mail:	alister.hayes@bromley.gov.uk

Celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity !
2010 marks international efforts to highlight the plight and needs of biodiversity.
Many millions of species inhabit Earth alongside humans. Humans rely on biodiversity for a number of products and services. This year in the Borough a new Bromley Biodiversity Action Plan is being devised by the Bromley Biodiversity Partnership and a programme of events highlighting local biodiversity in four regions of the Borough. Encouragement is also being given for people to survey for birds and trees in the Borough. 2010 is also the year to think about doing something to directly help biodiversity. You can find some ideas on this website.
Contact Information:	Take a look at 'Getting Involved' section of this website or ring 01689 862 815 for ideas.
e-mail:	countrysideandparks@bromley.gov.uk

New Nature Reserves Declared!
'Darrick & Newstead Woods' and 'Keston & Hayes Commons' have been declared Local Nature Reserves.
The areas are Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation and some areas of national importance as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Local Nature Reserve status highlights the value of the sites for both people and nature. Two events are being held during 2010 to celebrate the two areas. Saturday 12th June and Saturday 17th July respectively. See 'Events' for more information.
Contact Information:	Ring BCS on 01689 862 815.
e-mail:	countrysideandparks@bromley.gov.uk

Leaflet Advice on Setting the Boundaries Naturally
A new leaflet on hedgerows has been developed by the Bromley Countryside Service and training on surveying hedgerows is on its way!
A new leaflet has been developed by the Bromley Countryside Service about Bromley's hedgerows and what people can do to look after them. The leaflet includes useful contacts too. See 'Action for Habitats', 'Hedgerows' to view a copy. For hard copies of the leaflet ring 01689 862 815. The leaflet features information about a survey of 30km - over 200 hedgerows - growing in Darwin's Landscape Laboratory. Analysis of results reveal good news! Most are well connected with one or two others, and the majority are dense with few gaps. The majority only incorporate native, woody species typical of the landscape and a quarter incorporate examples of ancient trees. More than 150 species of ground flora were found growing at the bottom of the whole hedgerow network, including species Darwin observed, such as ground ivy and violets. Many climbers Darwin is known to have studied, such as white bryony and woody nightshade, were found to clamber across them too. These hedgerows are of some age - most of those surveyed were existence in Darwin’s time and so we can be sure we are witnessing a features he is known to have enjoyed. We want to carry on finding out more about hedgerows in the area. If you would like to get involved in surveying other hedgerows and the survey methods used, training sessions have been organised for the afternoon's of Sunday 25th April and Sunday 2nd May. See 'Training' for more details.
Contact Information:	Ring 01689 862815
e-mail:	ewa.prokop@bromley.gov.uk

Explore the Beck Corridor!
	Pick up a walk pack and get active!
The London Borough of Bromley is promoting the enjoyment and health benefits of a string of green spaces in Beckenham and West Wickham. 'The Beck Corridor' includes green spaces such as Kelsey Park, Cator Park, Harvington Estate, High Broom Wood and Spring Park and all fall within a stone's throw of 'The Beck' river. An 'Explore the Beck Corridor' walk pack has been developed and is available free of charge from libraries until stocks last. Copies of the pack are also available to print off from this website - look under 'Enjoying Bromley's Biodiversity'. The pack includes 8 easy to use walk cards, incorporating notes on accessbility and built and natural heritage features. Information on public transport in the area and the greenery you can see from their windows is included. Advice on the health benefits of walking are outlined too.
Contact Information:	For further details ring 01689 862815.

Want to have your say or do your bit on the BBAP?
	Got ideas and organisational skills?
Want to have your say? Got ideas and organisational skills? Have you ever thought about joining the Biodiversity Steering Group or becoming more involved in turning the BBAP targets into reality? This year sees the revision of the BBAP. Much has been achieved in the years since the BBAP was established in 1999 and the partnership is now looking towards the next phase! You can share your ideas, help communicate the BBAP message to a wider audience, help manage sites and record species. Get in touch!
e-mail:	conservation@bromley.gov.uk
Further information:	For more information about the role of the groups view the specialist information page

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