Biodiversity Swindon

The work of the Biodiversity Action team in Swindon falls under three main areas.

Swindon Biodiversity Action Plan

This is the main document promoting biodiversity in and around Swindon. It is easy to think of Swindon as an urban environment devoid of wildlife, but this is really not the case. Many green corridors link the centre of Swindon to the rural landscape that surrounds it, and a host of species make use of them. For instance, it is not uncommon to see deer in some parts of the town, Otters (Lutra lutra) are established in the rivers and Water Voles (Arvicola terrestris) at Rushey Platt have appeared on TV. To maintain this wealth of wildlife we are working to deliver actions within the Swindon Biodiversity Action Plan (SBAP), promoting biodiversity in strategic documents and forward planning. Click here to find out more about the SBAP.

Community and volunteering

Through the World Changers network we provide support and advice to community groups wanting to develop projects that will protect and enhance biodiversity. The Chiseldon Washpool Area Regeneration Project is one example. Its members got together to transform a derelict area with a series of tiered ponds and wildflowers grasslands. Others are The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which funded a project to help people learn more about its wildlife; and the community Wardens at Rivermead who look after and manage the Rivermead site.

We also provide volunteering opportunities on our Nature Reserves for people to find out more about our work through the year. No experience is necessary.

Projects

We are involved in a number of projects of all sizes, from the restoration project at Rivemead to laying a hedge at Ashen Copse. In the coming year we shall be focusing on projects to remove alien wetland plants, Water Vole surveys, management of our three Nature Reserves in Swindon and of course working with others to help develop their plans.