In Greater Lincolnshire, the County Council and the two unitary authorities (North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council) are expected to report to central government on performance on local biodiversity annually. The Nature Partnership supplies them with the data necessary to do this.
In 2011, the Single Data List replaced the Single Set of National Indicators; and National Indicator 197 was replaced by the equivalent Indicator 160-00: Proportion of Local Sites where positive conservation management is being achieved.
The indicator states that “Local authorities have an important role in delivering the UK's international and EU targets to halt the loss of biodiversity. Data on effectiveness of local delivery is essential. More than 42,000 LWSs exist, covering over 5% of England and containing many important priority habitats. Their effective conservation is key to meeting national and international objectives for biodiversity.”
A Defra guidance note on the collection of data on Improved Local Biodiversity (Indicator 160-00) states that documented evidence of the positive conservation management status of Local Sites must be provided. This can include a site management plan; inclusion in management schemes – agri-environment or conservation management agreement or scheme; a relevant Biodiversity Action Plan; or landowner receipt of management guidance and advice.
This guidance also states that: “Where an informed assessment has been made within the last five years and this assessment finds that no intervention or action is needed at present to conserve the features of a site, then this can score as positive management.”
Data provided on the management of sites should be no more than five years old.