Position Statement on Biodiversity, Access & Recreation

We are committed to enhancing biodiversity, protecting our archaeological heritage and promoting access and recreation at our sites.

In fulfilling this commitment we will

• Encourage best practice and the integration of biodiversity and heritage considerations throughout the business.
• Manage our water and landholdings so as to enhance and actively encourage the public enjoyment of our sites.
• Undertake appropriate consultation, survey and research so as to properly inform our operational and land management decisions
• Implement site-specific habitat and species plans for our major landholdings and so contribute to the development of a Corporate Biodiversity Action Plan.
• Share appropriate ecological and heritage data with other interested organisations.
• Talk to and develop positive relationships with the public and key conservation, access and recreation interests.
• Have the vision to plan around the interests of sensitive areas where necessary.
• Comply with all relevant environmental legislation and applicable Codes of Practice.

We will achieve this by

• Basing wider business decisions on sound environmental, social and economic considerations.
• Taking steps to ensure that all our staff, including those employed by our outsourced contract partners, are aware of, and committed to this Policy.
• Regularly reviewing our environmental performance and setting improvement argets so as to deliver continuous improvement.
• Reporting results to the Quality and Environment Committee of the Board, and periodically publishing an overview of performance.

Nigel Annett
Managing Director