Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things around us. It includes plants, animals, and tiny organisms, as well as the places they live. Biodiversity supports our everyday lives by providing clean air, fresh water, food, energy and spaces to live and enjoy. Protecting it helps keep our communities healthy now and in the future.

Why biodiversity matters

We rely on nature more than we often realise. Healthy ecosystems help produce the food we eat, clean the air we breathe and support jobs across many industries. Green spaces also give us places to relax, exercise and connect with nature.

Without a wide range of plants and wildlife, these benefits start to break down. This can affect our health, environment and economy.

Challenges to biodiversity

Biodiversity is under threat from changes such as climate change and new developments. These can damage habitats and reduce the number of species living in an area.

We recognise this challenge and are taking action to protect and restore local habitats across South Lanarkshire.

What we are doing

We are working to protect biodiversity by improving greenspaces, supporting wildlife and following national guidance. Our work follows the Scottish Biodiversity Delivery Plan 2024 to 2030 and supports our Nature Emergency Declaration.

How you can help

You can help protect biodiversity in simple ways:

• care for local green spaces
• avoid littering and fly-tipping
• support wildlife-friendly gardening
• report environmental issues in your area

Find out more

To learn more about biodiversity and what you can do, visit our related pages or contact us.