Biodiversity Action Plan and supporting studies
Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life on Earth. This includes animals, plants, the habitats they depend on, and the ecosystems they form part of.
Healthy relationships between species, habitats and ecosystems are essential. They support a well‑functioning natural environment and provide important environmental, social and economic benefits for people.
Arun Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)
The aim of the Arun Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is to improve how the natural environment is managed. The plan focuses on protecting, conserving and enhancing biodiversity, while creating a positive legacy for both current and future generations.
The Arun BAP sets out clear objectives and actions to help protect and strengthen:
- strategic biodiversity networks
- priority habitats
- priority species
It takes account of both local and national biodiversity priorities.
What the BAP covers
The BAP applies across the whole of Arun district, excluding areas within the South Downs National Park. It includes a wide range of natural assets, such as:
- parks and open spaces
- public and private green infrastructure
- transport corridors
- marine and coastal habitats
Who the BAP is for
The BAP provides both strategic and practical guidance for a range of audiences, including:
- council departments
- residents and community groups
- organisations and land managers
- developers and businesses
How the BAP was developed
The BAP was developed through consultation with both internal and external stakeholders. These included conservation organisations, community groups, land managers and council services.
Everyone involved has an important role to play in delivering the actions within the plan and helping to protect and enhance biodiversity across Arun.
Arun Biodiversity Action Plan[pdf] 2MB
Supporting studies
The Arun Biodiversity Net Gain Study 2022 presents the main outcomes and findings of the evidence study, which ClearLead Consulting prepared for Arun District Council.
Arun biodiversity net gain study [pdf] 4MB
A quick reference to the key proposals mapped in the study:
Strategic Areas of High Value [pdf] 231KB
Potential Barbastelle and Bechstein's Bat Corridor [pdf] 165KB
Existing BOAS and Potential Wildlife Corridors [pdf] 197KB
2025 BNG study
The Arun biodiversity and BNG Study (November 2025) takes the recommendations of the earlier Arun Biodiversity Net Gain study 2022 and provides evidence-based priority identification of practical projects to be developed to enable biodiversity enhancements for wildlife and people in Arun.
This study and its recommendations contribute towards Arun District Council's biodiversity duty under the Environment Act 2021, which places a duty on all local authorities to conserve and enhance biodiversity across the whole range of their services. This report also informs the Arun Biodiversity Action Plan and Biodiversity Net Gain Strategy, and will help to inform future policy development.
The study identifies priorities and opportunities for Arun at landscape scale and maps these where appropriate. It also identifies priorities for important species and opportunities for developing Habitat Banks on council-owned land.
Biodiversity and Biodiversity Net Gain Study Final [pdf] 7MB