In the past 50 years, Hertfordshire has witnessed a dramatic loss of wildlife—76 species have vanished forever, more than three every two years. This includes 35 invertebrates, 26 plants, 13 vertebrates, and 2 lichens, representing a sobering trend. Even more alarming, 1,446 species—nearly one in five—are now teetering on the brink of extinction. Over 1,000 of these are invertebrates and 260 are plants, underscoring the urgent need for action.
A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is more than just a document—it's a rallying call to protect, conserve, and revive the rich tapestry of life around us. By setting bold goals, focusing on the most critical areas, and charting clear actions, the BAP aims to reverse nature’s decline and shape a thriving natural legacy. Through collaboration and determination, we can ensure that future generations inherit a world bursting with wildlife and wonder
Stevenage Borough Council commissioned the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to review its previous Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and to set out clear, practical recommendations for improving habitats across the town up to 2028. This work focuses on protecting and enhancing a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, hedgerows and neighbourhood nature, ensuring wildlife can thrive alongside people.
Ultimately, the Biodiversity Action Plan plays a crucial role in keeping Stevenage a green, healthy and resilient place. By taking coordinated, practical action on the ground, it ensures that nature continues to flourish — benefiting both wildlife and the people who live and work in the town.
To read the BAP in full, click on the link here. For specific, detailed actions for each habitat type, read our progress under either the 'Actions' or the 'Habitats' tabs.
Or read an overview of the key recommendations for each habitat type below.
Woodland
Woodlands should be managed to maximise structural diversity and species richness, creating resilient habitats that can adapt to change. This includes mimicking natural processes through sensitive management such as coppicing, thinning and small-scale group felling. Opportunities for woodland expansion should be supported through natural regeneration, while improved connectivity is essential. By buffering and linking woodland sites — for example through the acquisition of adjacent grassland or scrub — ecologically functioning landscapes can be created, allowing species to disperse and woodland edges to soften naturally.
Grassland
Grasslands should be managed to develop a richer variety of structures through well-planned cutting regimes. Expanding the overall area of grassland habitat, either through restoration or re-creation, will help form strong networks of connected sites. Introducing complementary habitats, such as scrub mosaics, will further enhance biodiversity and provide shelter and feeding opportunities for a wide range of species.
Wetlands
Wetland habitats require careful management to maintain their ecological health. Reducing pollutants will help protect natural nutrient levels, while restoring and maintaining natural water regimes is vital. Increasing both structural and species diversity — for example through varied pond margins with a mix of trees and emergent vegetation — will support a wider range of wildlife. Early-stage wetland habitats should be maintained, and strong biosecurity measures put in place to limit the spread of invasive non-native species.