Biodiversity Duty Report

- Pre-existing policies and strategies

- Local planning policies

- Policies and strategies developed within the reporting period

- Summary of key themes

Pre-existing policies and strategies

Climate Change Strategy 2022

Gateshead's Climate Change Strategy 2022 recognises that climate change and biodiversity loss are closely linked and that action to address climate change can deliver significant co‑benefits for nature, health and wellbeing. The strategy highlights the role of the natural environment in supporting climate mitigation and adaptation, while improving environmental resilience across the borough (Gateshead Council, 2022). (Gateshead Council, 2022a)

The strategy explicitly promotes nature‑based solutions as a means of reducing climate risk, improving environmental quality and delivering wider social benefits. These solutions align closely with the objectives of conserving and enhancing biodiversity and supporting nature recovery at a local level (Gateshead Council, 2022).

The following commitment areas relevant to biodiversity are included within the Climate Change Strategy:

• Natural flood management and water environments: Increasing flood risk is highlighted as one of the key climate impacts affecting Gateshead and the need for adaptation measures to reduce risk and improve resilience is recognised.
  Natural flood management approaches—such as restoring river corridors, wetlands and floodplains—support climate adaptation while also delivering significant biodiversity benefits. This creates a clear policy link between climate resilience objectives and the restoration and enhancement of aquatic and riparian habitats.
• Air quality improvement through environmental measures: Poor air quality is recognised as an existing and future climate‑related challenge for Gateshead and actions that improve environmental quality as part of the response to climate change are highlighted. 
  Measures such as urban greening, tree planting and enhanced green infrastructure contribute to improved air quality while also providing habitat, supporting urban biodiversity and strengthening ecological networks.
• Sustainable place‑making and thriving neighbourhoods: Strong emphasis is placed on creating thriving, resilient neighbourhoods as part of the transition to a low‑carbon future.
  Nature‑rich places contribute to social wellbeing, comfort and liveability. This supports the integration of biodiversity into regeneration, housing, transport and public realm projects as part of sustainable place‑making.
• Equitable access to green space:The strategy recognises that climate impacts and environmental challenges can disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities and promotes actions that deliver co‑benefits across health, inequality and environment.
  This supports efforts to enhance biodiversity in urban areas and neighbourhoods with limited access to quality green space, helping to address ecological inequality while improving access to nature.
• Behaviour change and engagement with nature: Behaviour change and community involvement are identified as essential to delivering climate action at scale, including grassroots action and partnership working.
  Community‑led climate action creates opportunities to embed biodiversity awareness, engagement and stewardship, including tree planting, habitat management, citizen science and education about the value of nature.
• Enabling framework for delivery through other strategies:The Climate Change Strategy is intended to act as an overarching framework that enables delivery through more detailed strategies, action plans and partnership initiatives over time.
  This provides a clear policy hook for later biodiversity‑specific delivery mechanisms, such as the South of Tyne and Wear Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Biodiversity Net Gain, ensuring that biodiversity outcomes are embedded within climate delivery rather than treated separately.

More and Better Woods Action Plan

The More and Better Woods Action Plan was published in June 2022 and sets out Gateshead Council's vision. The vision includes the overarching targets: (Gateshead Council, 2022b)

• support the creation of 250 hectares of new woodland by 2050, increasing woodland cover in Gateshead from 15% to 17% (a net 2% increase across the borough)
• bring the Council's existing woodland estate (c. 900 hectares) into positive, sustainable long‑term management by 2050
• deliver increased benefits for biodiversity, climate resilience, carbon sequestration, public access, health and wellbeing, and the local green economy

Detailed aims of the plan include:

• Biodiversity and nature recovery
  • conserve and enhance biodiversity through woodland creation and management that strengthens ecological connectivity, including buffering and linking ancient woodland, Local Wildlife Sites and wildlife corridors
  • restore and improve the condition of ancient woodland, including the restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) and positive management of Ancient Semi‑Natural Woodland
  • control invasive non‑native species and improve habitat structure through practices such as coppicing, ride creation, deadwood retention and selective thinning
• Climate change and carbon
  • use woodland creation as a key nature‑based solution to support climate mitigation and adaptation, including carbon sequestration and improved climate resilience of habitats
  • deliver approximately 75,000 tonnes of CO₂ sequestration over the lifetime of new native woodland creation
• People, health and communities
  • improve access to woodlands and green space, particularly in urban and deprived areas, supporting physical and mental wellbeing
  • engage local communities and stakeholders in woodland planning, creation and long‑term stewardship
• Delivery and governance
  • apply a UK Forestry Standard‑based site selection and design process to ensure woodland creation delivers benefits for biodiversity, climate, landscape, historic environment, people, soil and water (Forestry Commission, 2017)
  • deliver actions through a phased, funded implementation programme, working in partnership with organisations such as the North East Community Forest and supported by national funding mechanisms

Policy on balloon releases

In 2009 Gateshead signed a declaration, as part of the Durham Biodiversity Partnership's 10th Anniversary, not to undertake balloon releases or to permit them on council land.

The problem with balloon releases is that deflated balloons or balloon fragments left on the ground or floating in water can easily be eaten. Ingesting balloons can cause death by blocking the respiratory tracts or digestive tract and has been documented in marine turtles, dolphins, whales as well as in farm animals.

In addition, the attached strings and ribbons can entangle animals and the use of weights increases the likelihood of balloons landing in the countryside or at sea.

Balloon releases are considered to be environmentally bad practice for this reason.

Local Planning Policies

Strategic policy framework

Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan (2010-2030)

• Policy CS18 - Green Infrastructure and the Natural Environment sets the overarching requirement for development to protect, enhance and connect green infrastructure as a borough‑wide network delivering biodiversity, ecological resilience, climate adaptation, landscape quality and public wellbeing.
• Biodiversity considerations are embedded within sustainable development principles, requiring development to be ecologically sustainable, to protect and enhance biodiversity where possible, and to avoid unnecessary harm to habitats and species.
• Policy CS17 - Flood Risk and Water Management promotes natural flood management, river restoration and sustainable drainage systems, recognising their role in delivering habitat creation, ecological connectivity and water‑dependent biodiversity.

Development management policies

Making Spaces for Growing Places (MSGP)

• Policy MSGP30 - Water Quality and River Environments requires development to protect and enhance watercourses as wildlife corridors, improve riparian habitats, prevent pollution, support Water Framework Directive objectives and improve ecological connectivity along rivers and streams.
• Policy MSGP31 - Green Infrastructure and Flood Management Schemes safeguards land within key river catchments, including the Rivers Team, Don and Derwent, for schemes that combine flood storage with habitat creation, biodiversity enhancement, landscape improvement and public access, delivering multiple environmental benefits through nature‑based solutions.
• Policy MSGP32 - Maintaining, Protecting and Enhancing Green Infrastructure requires development to retain existing green infrastructure assets and to deliver new or enhanced provision that:
  • increases biodiversity value
  • improves habitat connectivity
  • maximises multifunctionality
  • secures long‑term management and maintenance.
• Policy MSGP35 - Wardley Manor Country Park protects and enhances this strategic green space, recognising its biodiversity, landscape and recreational value, and requires development to conserve and improve its ecological function, accessibility and long‑term management.
• Policy MSGP36 - Woodland, Trees and Hedgerows protects existing trees, woodland and hedgerows and supports planting, restoration and management that strengthens ecological networks, landscapes and climate resilience.
• Policy MSGP37 - Biodiversity and Geodiversity requires development to conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity, protect designated and priority habitats and species, avoid fragmentation, and provide mitigation or compensation where impacts cannot be avoided.
• Policy MSGP38 - The River Tyne safeguards the River Tyne as a strategic wildlife corridor, requiring development to improve ecological connectivity, protect aquatic and riparian habitats, enhance water quality, and ensure sensitive integration of development, recreation and biodiversity objectives along the river corridor.

Policies and strategies developed within the reporting period

Events guidance

Gateshead Council's Event Organiser Handbook / Event Planning Guidance (PDF, 4 MB) (Gateshead Council, 2023) was published in 2023 and online guidance is regularly updated with the input of council Ecologists.

The guidance includes a range of requirements and good‑practice measures that are directly relevant to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, particularly where events take place on green spaces, parks, waterways and other sensitive sites.

Key nature, ecology and biodiversity‑related provisions:

• Ecology and biodiversity screening at the planning stage
  Event organisers are required to consider potential environmental impacts and to be aware of the presence of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Local Nature Reserves and Wildlife Corridors when selecting event locations.pdf). Organisers are directed to Gateshead's ecological mapping resources to inform site choice and layout.
• Avoidance of activities harmful to wildlife
  The guidance highlights specific activities that may harm biodiversity and wildlife, including balloon releases, fireworks, bonfires and inappropriate use of machinery, and advises that these should be avoided or carefully managed, particularly near sensitive habitats and species.
• Protection of wildlife from disturbance
  Event organisers are encouraged to consider the impacts of noise, lighting and sound systems on wildlife, recognising that such disturbances can affect animals, especially in green spaces and near watercourses.
• Pollution prevention and water protection
  The guidance includes measures to prevent pollution of land and water, including careful waste management, protection of ditches and streams, appropriate siting of toilets and cesspits, and preventing runoff or effluent entering watercourses.
• Waste management and resource efficiency
  Organisers are required to put in place waste disposal and recycling arrangements, encouraging reduction of litter and environmental impacts during and after events.
• Greener events and sustainability
  The guidance promotes the concept of "greener events", encouraging organisers to reduce waste, minimise single‑use plastics, consider environmental impacts and adopt more sustainable practices.
• Air quality considerations
  Event organisers are encouraged to reduce emissions by discouraging car use, promoting public transport and active travel, and minimising traffic impacts—supporting wider environmental and air‑quality objectives that also benefit ecosystems.

Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy

Gateshead's Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) Strategy (Gateshead Council, 2024a) was developed during the reporting period and published in July 2024.

The GBI Strategy demonstrates how biodiversity considerations are embedded across planning, regeneration, water management and place‑making. The Strategy recognises that biodiverse, well‑connected green and blue spaces are fundamental to nature recovery and commits to expanding and joining up habitats across the borough to form a coherent Nature Recovery Network (Gateshead Council, 2024a).

The Strategy demonstrates the following key biodiversity‑related priorities and commitments:

• Embedding biodiversity as a core function of green and blue infrastructure
  The GBI Strategy establishes biodiverse, nature‑rich environments as the foundation of all green and blue infrastructure benefits, recognising that biodiversity underpins ecosystem services, climate resilience and quality of place across Gateshead.
• Expansion and connectivity of habitats
  The Council commits to expanding, enhancing and joining up habitats across the borough to support a coherent Nature Recovery Network, reducing fragmentation and strengthening ecological connectivity at a landscape scale.
• Protection and enhancement of strategic wildlife corridors
  The Strategy prioritises the protection and enhancement of key wildlife corridors, including river valleys, woodland networks, transport corridors and urban green spaces, to support species movement and resilience.
• Use of river corridors as biodiversity assets
  The River Tyne, River Derwent and River Team are identified as strategically important biodiversity corridors, with commitments to habitat restoration, improved connectivity and sensitive balancing of ecological and recreational pressures.
• Alignment with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
  The GBI Strategy aligns with mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain, providing a framework for delivering habitat creation and enhancement on‑site and off‑site, and ensuring biodiversity gains are integrated into development and regeneration activity.
• Supporting delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
  As Responsible Authority for the South of Tyne and Wear LNRS, Gateshead Council positions the GBI network as a key delivery mechanism for LNRS priorities, particularly habitat restoration, connectivity and nature recovery outside designated sites.
• Recognition and enhancement of diverse habitats
  The Strategy recognises the biodiversity value of Gateshead's diverse habitats, including ancient and native woodland, rivers and wetlands, grasslands, brownfield and open mosaic habitats, hedgerows and estuarine environments.
• Targeted support for priority species
  Commitments within the Strategy support habitat enhancements for priority and protected species, including pollinators, farmland birds, bats, amphibians, otter and migratory fish, through improved habitat quality and connectivity.
• Promotion of nature‑based solutions
  The GBI Strategy embeds nature‑based solutions—such as wetlands, river restoration, woodland creation and sustainable drainage systems—to deliver biodiversity gains alongside flood risk management, water quality improvement and climate adaptation.   
• Improving ecological status of water environments
  Integrated water management approaches are promoted to support water bodies in achieving good ecological status, while delivering enhanced habitats for aquatic and riparian species.
• Raising standards for biodiversity in development
  The Strategy commits to significantly raising expectations for the quality and multifunctionality of GBI delivered through new development, ensuring biodiversity is a core component of placemaking rather than an afterthought.
• Long‑term management and stewardship
  The Council recognises the importance of long‑term habitat management and maintenance, committing to governance, monitoring and funding arrangements that secure lasting biodiversity benefits from GBI assets.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)

Within the reporting period, the South of Tyne Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) (Gateshead Council, 2026a) has been drafted, with the draft open for public consultation until 18th January 2026. It is the intention to publish the final South of Tyne LNRS in Spring 2026.

Gateshead Council has been appointed the Responsible Authority for the South of Tyne and Wear LNRS which covers Gateshead, South Tyneside, and Sunderland, and has led the preparation of the draft Strategy. South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council, the North East Combined Authority (NECA), and Natural England are supporting authorities for the South of Tyne and Wear LNRS, and have been closely involved in the development of the draft Strategy. (Gateshead Council, 2026a) (NECA, 2025)

The South of Tyne LNRS includes an Interactive Local Habitat Map and a Statement of Biodiversity Priorities. The Statement of Biodiversity Priorities sets out a strategic, place‑based framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss across Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland, guided by the Lawton principles of more, bigger, better and better connected habitats. The priorities are structured around overarching enabling priorities, habitat‑based priorities, land‑use priorities, and species recovery priorities.

1. Overarching priorities (applicable across all habitats)

• Evidence‑led decision‑making
  Maintain and strengthen a robust local biodiversity evidence base to inform priorities, spatial targeting, investment decisions and monitoring of outcomes.
• People, skills and engagement
  Increase public access to and engagement with nature, support education and citizen science, and build local skills and green jobs to enable long‑term nature recovery.
• Protection and positive management of key sites
  Improve the condition, management and monitoring of existing designated and non‑designated sites, particularly Local Wildlife Sites, through landowner engagement and targeted support.

2. Woodland, trees, scrub and hedgerows

• Ancient and native woodland resilience and restoration
  Restore and positively manage ancient and native woodland, including the accelerated restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS).
• Expansion and connectivity of woodland cover
  Increase the extent of native woodland to improve habitat connectivity, ecosystem services and climate resilience.
• Protection of ancient and veteran trees
  Safeguard ancient and veteran trees through improved management, continuity planning and targeted replacement planting.
• Scrub and hedgerow recovery
  Enhance, expand and reconnect scrub and native hedgerows to support wildlife movement, pollinators and farmland species.

3. Grasslands, heathland and open mosaic habitats

• Restoration and expansion of species‑rich grasslands
  Protect, restore and create biodiverse grasslands, with particular emphasis on enhancing semi‑improved grasslands to increase extent and connectivity.
• Lowland heathland recovery
  Safeguard and expand scarce lowland heathland habitats through targeted restoration, buffering and habitat creation.
• Protection of open mosaic habitats on previously developed land
  Recognise and enhance open mosaic habitats as nationally and locally important for invertebrates and early‑successional species.

4. Freshwater, wetlands and estuaries

• Resilient river and wetland networks
  Restore and reconnect rivers, streams, estuaries and wetlands to improve ecological condition, water quality and habitat connectivity.
• Water quality and pollution reduction
  Reduce diffuse and point‑source pollution through nature‑based solutions, riparian buffers and natural flood management.
• Expansion of water‑dependent habitats
  Create and enhance wetlands, ponds and riparian habitats to support biodiversity, flood resilience and climate adaptation.

6. Farmland habitats

• Nature‑positive land management
  Increase the extent of farmland and equine land managed positively for biodiversity, including field margins, hedgerows and in‑field features.
• Soil, water and climate resilience
  Promote sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, water quality and ecosystem function, supported by agri‑environment funding and farmer collaboration.

7. Urban habitats and green and blue infrastructure

• Resilient urban nature networks
  Restore and expand urban green and blue infrastructure to create better‑connected, multifunctional habitats.
• Access, engagement and stewardship
  Increase access to nature in urban areas and support community‑led management and citizen involvement.
• Supporting priority urban species
  Enhance habitats for pollinators and other priority species through nature‑friendly urban design and management.

8. Species recovery priorities

• Targeted recovery of priority species
  Support the recovery of priority species and assemblages including pollinators, farmland birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and fish, through habitat restoration, connectivity improvements and, where appropriate, reintroductions.
• Addressing key pressures
  Reduce the impacts of invasive non‑native species, habitat fragmentation, water pollution and disturbance that limit species recovery.

Overall aim

Together, these priorities aim to reverse biodiversity decline, strengthen ecological networks, and deliver wider benefits for climate resilience, health and wellbeing, flood mitigation and economic sustainability, while supporting the delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain and public sector biodiversity duties.

Summary of key themes

The policies and objectives set out in Section 2 have been grouped under the following key themes, which provide the framework for reporting on Actions Completed to Meet the Biodiversity Duty:

1. Conserving and enhancing woodland habitats
2. Conserving, restoring and enhancing other terrestrial and aquatic habitats
3. Recovering priority species and addressing biodiversity pressures
4. Protecting, expanding and connecting green and blue infrastructure
5. Embedding biodiversity in planning and decision‑making
6. Raising awareness, engagement and stewardship
7. Providing strategic leadership and capacity for long‑term nature recovery

These key themes have been identified by reviewing the policies, strategies and actions reported in Section 2 and grouping them according to the principal ways in which they contribute to the council's Biodiversity Duty. The themes reflect where the council has taken action to conserve and enhance biodiversity, embedded biodiversity considerations within decision‑making, and established policies and frameworks to support long‑term nature recovery.