Scottish Borders Council has welcomed the public to take part in a consultation on the draft Scottish Borders Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

The plan aims to help protect and enhance the natural environment.

The Scottish Borders LBAP takes account of key national policy changes and is organised around the priority themes of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy:

• Ecosystem restoration

• Investment in natural capital

• Quality greenspace for health and education benefits

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• Conserving wildlife in Scotland

• Sustainable management of land and freshwater

• Sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Councillor Tom Miers, Executive Member for Planning and Environment said: "Our woodlands, hills, wetlands, grasslands and marine habitats support a great variety of wildlife and provide many benefits, from sources of pollination to food, recreation, timber and natural flood protection.

"The action plan provides a template from which we, our partners and the public can take action over the next 10 years to help us to adapt to changing weather patterns and I'd encourage anyone with an interest to take part in the consultation process."

The LBAP forms part of the Local Development Plan and as such is now subject to a 12-week consultation, closing on 30 November, to seek the views of stakeholders, communities and all members of the public.

(CM)