Biodiversity in Barnet

Working together to become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs, join us on our journey. 

How we are improving biodiversity and the borough’s natural environment

Mowing our greenspaces less

Mowing less results in havens for wildlife and increases biodiversity.

We have participated in No Mow May for some years. In 2024, 19 parks and openspaces and 12 other sites were part of the programme. Increasing by 5 sites on the previous year and we plan on adding more next year.

We are also trialling mowing less for larger sites. We are using grass cutting methods like "cut and lift" and trialling grass seed mixes.

The Local Nature Recovery Plan

We are developing our Local Nature Recovery Plan, which will include our biodiversity priorities. It will align with London’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy 

We have been surveying our sites and preparing a biodiversity baseline. Allowing us to measure improvements in biodiversity over time.

We are currently reviewing our Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) to make sure our maps are current.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Biodiversity Net Gain is:

“an approach to development, and / or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was beforehand”.

The Environment Act 2021 made BNG mandatory for most sites with a few exemptions, as of 2 April 2024.

We are measuring, monitoring and pricing all our habitat types including grassland and woodland. This helps developers to offset any net loss that may occur from their project, and results in a net gain for biodiversity.

SINCs will play an important role in targeting BNG offsetting within the borough.