The second change is the formation of an advisor}' group to help the Trust coordinate
the system more effectively by drawing on the expertise of other organisations. This
group comprises representatives of Natural England, Environment Agency, Essex
Biodiversity Project, Essex Field Club, Essex County Council, and the Essex Planning
Officers Association Planning Policy Forum. The groups' key functions will include:
• ensuring the system adheres, where practical, to national guidance;
• supporting local authorities in the completion of regular reviews;
• ensuring a consistent approach to site selection; and
• assisting with the maintenance of an up-to-date county register of sites.
The third and final change is the publication of a revised set of selection criteria. The
new draft document has been produced as part of a wide-ranging, and ongoing,
consultation among ecologists, naturalists, wildlife NGOs and statutory nature
conservation agencies. In addition, since the only protection afforded to sites is through
the planning system, local authority planners have played an important role in shaping
the publication. It is hoped that once complete, the document will represent a
comprehensive and robust set of selection criteria, which will make it easier to defend
sites that come under threat from development.
If you would like to read or provide comments on the new selection criteria the document
is viewable at: www.essexbiodiversity.org.uk
Essex Biodiversity Project
Gen Broad Joan Elliot Visitor Centre, Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough,
Colchester, Essex C05 7RZ
The Essex Biodiversity Project (EBP) aims to protect key species and habitats throughout
the county by taking targeted and focused action. The Project is a partnership of over 40
local authorities, nature conservation bodies, statutory agencies, voluntary interest groups,
businesses and community groups, working together to create maximum impact and
drive the initiative forward. The Project is funded through contributions from Essex
County Council, Essex Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Essex & Suffolk Water, local
authorities and other organisations.
One of our key partners is the Essex Field Club, with whom we work closely. For example,
EBP provided funding to the Essex Field Club for the purchase of copies of Mapmate
and to support the development of the brownfield site recording form on the new EFC
website. The Essex Field Club helps to guide the work of the Project through
representation on the steering group and members who provide essential expertise in
many aspects of nature conservation.
16
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 53, May 2007