Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. This includes all species of plants and animals and the ecosystems that support them.
Biodiversity is central to the natural processes that we all benefit from, such as food and fuel production, maintenance of air, soil and water quality and the regulation of climate and flooding.
Biodiversity and good quality natural environments also contribute to good mental health, cohesive communities and strong local economies and it is essential in our response to climate change.
Overview of Oxford's biodiversity
- 1 European site for nature conservation (177 hectares)
- 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (278 hectares)
- 3 Local Nature Reserves (7 hectares)
- 14 county Local Wildlife Sites (125 hectares)
- 50 Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (202 hectares)
Biodiversity Report 2026
Under the Environment Act 2021, UK public authorities and local planning authorities must publish a Biodiversity Duty Report by the end of March 2026, with subsequent updates to be provided every five years.
The Oxford City Council Biodiversity report details actions taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity, including mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) measures, and sources of information and policy which the authority takes account of or will guide our work in the next 5 years.
Our first report covers the period up to 31 December 2025. The report also sets out how actions should be guided in the next 5 years to 2030.
See the Oxford City Council Biodiversity Report 2026.
Biodiversity Review for our parks and nature areas - 2020
In 2020, we completed a Biodiversity Review setting out all the great work already done to support biodiversity in our green spaces in recent years, and identifying a wide range of further habitat improvement projects and environmental initiatives for the next five years. This is a live document, and will be updated as funding opportunities and projects develop.
Download the Biodiversity review for our parks and nature areas.
