VOLUNTEERS have launched a new group with the aim of drawing up and putting into practice a detailed biodiversity action plan for Farnham.

Encouraged by support from existing volunteer groups, local authorities and the Surrey Wildlife Trust – and their willingness to work in partnership – the Farnham Biodiversity Group (FBG) has been established as a community interest company.

The group believes a biodiversity action plan for Farnham is needed:

* To fully enable the implementation of the environmental policies in the Neighbourhood Plan.

* To help redress the effects of habitat degradation, disease and climate change that are endangering wildlife – resulting in the serious decline of once-common species such as the hedgehog, starling and stag beetle.

* To ensure the excellent conservation work already going on in the town achieves even greater impact through a common approach.

In recent weeks the foundations for a successful project have been laid down.

Contact has been made with possible additional partners to widen the expertise that can be called upon, and to increase the availability of species data. A website has been established and a Facebook group started.

Work has also started on creating a detailed record of all that is currently known about the 100 or so prominent green spaces across the town, as well as a ‘garden survey’ to throw new light on the distribution of wildlife across the town.

Steve Langham, a director of FBG, said: “What is now under way is a long-term project, designed for the benefit of the town’s wildlife as well as for the health and wellbeing of the population.

“Our vision is to make Farnham a model of conservation best practice in urban environments.”

For more details, or to get involved, visit farnhambap.org.uk.