What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity – short for ‘biological diversity’ – describes the whole variety of life on earth. It includes every species of plant, animal, fungus and micro-organism, and the natural systems that support them. In Suffolk, that means dormice and otters, marsh harriers and stag beetles, lowland heaths and coastal saltmarshes, ancient woodland and chalk rivers.
Why does biodiversity matter? Biodiversity underpins the natural systems on which all life depends. It maintains the quality of our soil, water and air, regulates flooding and climate, provides the raw materials for food, medicines and construction, and shapes the landscapes we live in and value. It also has direct benefits for people: access to nature improves health and wellbeing, strengthens communities, and supports local economies through tourism, recreation and environmental stewardship.
In summary, biodiversity:
- Supports the ecosystem services that maintain air, soil and water quality and reduce flooding and pollution
- Is integral to climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Contributes to strong local economies and thriving communities
- Provides essential products and raw materials
- Improves health and wellbeing through access to green and natural spaces
- Defines local character and distinctiveness
Why is biodiversity under threat? Suffolk has lost significant areas of wildlife habitat over the past century, and populations of many species have declined as a result. The principal causes are habitat loss and fragmentation through intensive land use and development; the spread of non-native invasive species; pollution of soils, air and waterways; and the accelerating effects of climate change. The Natural History Museum provides a useful overview of biodiversity loss and its drivers.
Biodiversity in law and policy The Environment Act 2021 places a duty on public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity in carrying out their functions, and introduced mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain for development. The Norfolk and Suffolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy sets out priorities and opportunities for nature recovery across the two counties, identifying where habitats should be protected, restored and created to build a joined-up network of wildlife-rich landscapes.
Suffolk’s priority species and habitats SBIS holds data on thousands of species and habitats recorded across Suffolk. The Priority Species section provides profiles for species of county, regional or national importance, with distribution data, recording guidance and links to further information. The Priority Habitats section covers Suffolk’s most important habitat types – from Breckland heathlands and coastal Sandlings to ancient woodland, lowland fens and traditional orchards – with descriptions, associated species, condition data and management guidance.
For more information on using SBIS biodiversity data in planning, policy and land management contexts, visit the Using our data section.