Residents are asked to give their views on actions affecting a range of habitats and species including school grounds, parks and public open spaces, churches and cemeteries, golf courses, rivers and burns.

The action plan sets out how protecting the environment will help reduce the impact of climate change, contribute to healthy ecosystems, and improve local communities for everyone. By taking forward actions at a local level in partnership with communities, volunteers and other organisations, everyone can make a real difference.

Through the North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership, we have developed this fifth edition of the plan along with organisations including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Green Action Trust and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

“This new action plan builds on the positive work taking place to look after the habitats and species that make up our unique local environment,” said Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

“We know how much our green spaces and nature matter to local people so we want to hear their views through this consultation.

“As well as improving the local environment in North Lanarkshire, protecting our local biodiversity will help tackle climate change for the future, so it’s important we get it right now and for the future.”

An important part of the action plan is restoring peatlands to conserve wildlife and improve their capacity for storing carbon. This work will contribute to the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity.

The consultation is available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/biodiversity-consultation

The deadline for comments is 31 October. Feedback received during the consultation will inform the final version of the plan, which is expected to be published in early 2023.