Conserving biodiversity - the UK BAP

Biodiversity is the Earth's life support system. It includes all plants, animals and places where they live.

Biodiversity provides direct and indirect economic, social, aesthetic, cultural and spiritual benefits. It enriches our lives.

The RSPB's aim is to conserve wild places for birds and other wildlife - so naturally we are concerned with biodiversity as a whole, not just birds. In fact, our nature reserves are havens for all sorts of threatened species, from leeches to lichens, plus habitats that we restore.

Our involvement in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) covers many species and habitats. Find out about our contribution - in terms of both practical conservation and influencing Government policies.

What is the UK BAP?

The UK BAP was produced by the Government in 1994 to ensure that the diverse wildlife (biodiversity) of our islands is conserved for future generations to enjoy and benefit from. Find out more about what the UK BAP aims to achieve. More...

Moorland landscape with heather in August

Why biodiversity matters to the RSPB

There are many reasons for the RSPB to be involved in the conservation of wildlife as a whole, rather than just birds. Find out more... More...

Priority species for the RSPB

For each species identified as a priority within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, an organisation is assigned to take special responsibility for coordinating and encouraging actions and for reporting progress. The RSPB has been chosen by the government to take on this role for 36 priority species. More...

Adult bittern wading in reedbed at Lee Valley Country Park

BAP species on RSPB reserves

Not only is the RSPB directly responsible for leading the action for 36 priority species, but it is also custodian of well over 100 priority species that have been recorded on our nature reserves. More...

Caledonian pine forest, RSPB Loch Garten nature reserve

Habitat conservation

The UK BAP identifies 45 priority habitats. The RSPB is involved in influencing land use policy and actively managing, restoring and (re)creating many of these habitats. More...

Lapwings on winter flooded grazing land close to RSPB Ham Wall nature reserve

Halting UK biodiversity loss by 2010

In 2001, the European Union, including the UK Government, made a commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. This can still be achieved, but the clock is ticking. What must be done to reach this target? More...

RSPB Ynis-hir nature reserve - view of pool from Ynys Eidiol hide

Making space for wildlife

Planners must plan positively for wildlife. A new report by the RSPB shows that habitat re-creation opportunities should be identified, mapped and promoted in plans and decisions. More...