The Biodiversity Duty is a legal requirement for public authorities to actively consider, conserve, and enhance biodiversity when exercising their functions. The Environmental Act 2021 strengthened this duty for public authorities and requires them to not only conserve biodiversity but to actively enhance it and create a more sustainable and resilient natural environment.
The strengthened biodiversity duty now requires:
- Consideration of what the Council can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
- Agreement of policies and specific objectives to enhance biodiversity, based on those considerations.
- Action to deliver these policies and achieve the objectives.
More detail on complying with the biodiversity duty can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Reporting on our biodiversity duty actions
This report sets out how the Council has met its strengthened biodiversity duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 during the period January 2024 to December 2025, and how it plans to continue protecting and improving nature in the city.
The report explains the Council’s policies, actions and partnerships that support biodiversity, wildlife and access to nature across Portsmouth. It includes work on Council‑owned land, protected sites, urban green spaces and neighbourhoods, as well as collaboration with community groups, neighbouring Councils and regional partners.
The report also outlines planned work for the coming years, including how the Council will continue to support biodiversity during local government reorganisation and devolution, and how it will work with partners to deliver long‑term, nature‑positive outcomes for Portsmouth.
Read the council's Biodiversity Duty Report (PDF).
What the report covers
The report includes:
- an overview of activity and progress made during the reporting period
- actions taken to protect habitats and species, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and coastal and marine environments
- case studies showing how nature is being supported in parks, housing estates, schools and urban spaces
- how the council is delivering biodiversity net gain (BNG) through planning and partnership working
- engagement with residents, volunteers and organisations to help people connect with and care for nature
- a review of what has worked well, challenges faced, and future priorities
Who the report is for
This report is for residents, community groups, developers, environmental organisations and anyone interested in how Portsmouth City Council is working to protect and enhance the natural environment, while balancing the needs of a growing city.