Fife Local Biodiversity Action Plan Update
It has been an exciting few months for the Fife Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). Many of the projects that the LBAP is involved in have reached implementation, while the 2nd Edition of the LBAP was launched on the 20th of June. Copies can be downloaded from www.fifedirect.org.uk.
The 2nd Edition describes the new approach Fife is taking towards implementation of practical biodiversity action. All sorts of action for biodiversity goes on across Fife, from one person’s garden wildlife project, to large-scale projects carried out by environmental organisations. The LBAP provides focus by identifying priority areas of work and co-ordination. Priorities for 2003-2006 are Farmland, Urban, Coastal Fringe, Rivers, Monitoring & Information. Below are details of two current projects.
Beveridge Park Biodiversity Project
Beveridge Park is a popular park in Kirkcaldy, well-used and enjoyed by the local community. There is already a whole host of animals, plants and birds in the park, but it has become better thanks to the LBAP and Fife Council’s Community Services.
Wildflowers have been planted by schoolchildren from Balwearie High School and other volunteers. This planting has taken place in one of the quieter corners of the park, tucked away in the woodland area above the rugby ground. Here the plant community has been enhanced by the addition of cowslip, primrose and selfheal, amongst others. Adding these plants to park’s environment will attract a wider variety of insects and birds to use the park as a feeding area. Following the success of this action, a further planting day is scheduled for September.
Birds have also benefited from the nest boxes made by the Occupational Health Unit at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital, and put up throughout the park by its Grounds Maintenance team.
The Wood to Go Initiative
One of the most effective and popular ways of improving the environment for biodiversity is to provide nesting places. Bird and bat boxes will encourage these animals to visit and use local environments, and are easy to make and install. Local environmental groups are often keen to make nestboxes, and can now use Wood to Go as a source of materials.
This initiative provides wood and metal nestbox fronts (which make the nestboxes squirrel and woodpecker-proof) for the production of bird and bat boxes. A limited number of woodcrete boxes are also available. With the involvement of Fife Council’s Community Services, Wood to Go has so far provided materials for the production of 100 nestboxes, which have been put up across Fife.
If you would like to find out more about Fife’s biodiversity action, or get involved in any or the projects, please feel free to contact me: Rachel Sherman, LBAP Co-ordinator, Fife Biodiversity Partnership, c/o Planning & Building Control, Fife House, Glenrothes, Fife KY7 5LT, tel 01592 413437, e--mail: rachel.sherman@fife.gov.uk