North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan
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[Draft reviewed HAPs]

[Draft reviewed SAPs]

The North Merseyside BAP 2008 HAP and SAP review

The North Merseyside Biodiversity Action Plan was published in September 2001. A five year progress review undertaken in 2006 highlighted where progress has been made and where it has been lacking. Open quotesIn accordance with national strategy, it is now time to undertake a review of our Species and Habitat Action PlansClose quotesIn accordance with national strategy, it is now time to undertake a review of our Species and Habitat Action Plans (SAPs and HAPs) to ensure that they remain relevant and useful to circumstances and conditions on the ground today and over the coming years. Open quotesThe major requirement of the review is that targets of the HAPs and SAPs are 'SMARTened'Close quotesThe major requirement of the review is that targets of the HAPs and SAPs are 'SMARTened' (see below), but where necessary or opportune, we also want to review and update other sections of the HAPs and SAPs at the same time.

What are SMART targets?

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound. A review of UK BAP targets undertaken in 2006 concentrated on ensuring that all national targets were SMARTened. Prior to this review, national targets were sometimes qualitative and it was difficult to objectively measure progress against them. Following the national example, targets of the first Local Biodiversity Action Plans, including the NM BAP, were also often largely qualitative and it is now time to SMARTen those targets in line with the national target review. Nationally, there is a drive to ensure that targets of all local BAPs are made SMART by March 2008.

Open quotesBeing explicitly quantitative within a specified time-frame is the best way to ensure that a target is specific, measurable and time-boundClose quotesBeing explicitly quantitative within a specified time-frame is the best way to ensure that a target is specific, measurable and time-bound. Ensuring that they are also realistic and attainable depends on using the best available expertise and data to get the target figures and units right. In line with the national review, we will be aiming to introduce a more explicitly quantitative element to the SMARTened NM BAP targets.

The review process

The review of the SAPs and HAPs started in the Autumn of 2007 and is due to be completed in the first half of 2008. The general process is as follows:

  1. A 'lead partner' is identified for each SAP and HAP.
  2. The lead partner produces a draft reviewed plan following guidelines produced by the Merseyside Biodiversity Group.
  3. The draft plan is sent for initial consultation to groups and individuals identified by the Merseyside Biodiversity Group.
  4. The draft is amended, if necessary, as a result of initial consultation.
  5. The draft is published on this website for general consultation.
  6. After the deadline for general consultation, the draft is amended, if necessary, and published as a full plan on the website.
  7. The national Biodiversity Action Reporting System (BARS) is updated to reflect the new targets and actions of the plans.
As draft plans become available for general consultation, they will be maide available here:

Draft reviewed Habitat Action Plans
Draft reviewed Species Action Plans