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BedsLife is a partnership of organisations promoting nature and biodiversity conservation in Bedfordshire and Luton. We include government, local authorities and conservation groups. We are guided by the Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), launched in 2001.

We are also a member of the Countdown 2010 Partnership. This is a global network of partners working to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. As a partner, we have committed to take every practical opportunity to achieve this goal. The Partnership secretariat is hosted by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). There are over 20 partners in England, and over 200 in Europe alone! Click here to find out more about our commitment to Countdown 2010.

Click here to find out about some of the work we do!

About the action plan

In 1992 the UK signed the Convention on Biological Diversity. Under this law, countries must conserve biodiversity – the variety of life – within their borders. They must also write and implement “action plans” for biodiversity conservation. And so in 1994 the UK launched an action plan for 381 species and 45 habitats.

Implementing over 400 action plans is a big job. Much of the work needs to be done locally, so about 185 local BAPs were created. These plans address national priority habitats and species that occur locally. They often deal with other habitats and species as well.

The Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Action Plan is our local BAP. Over 200 organisations and individuals helped create it! It includes action plans for 7 habitats and 23 species. It also includes plans for data management and community involvement.

The BAP will develop and change as we learn more about nature in our county. In fact, a 5-year review of the plan has already begun. Local authorities, community groups, landowners, farmers and other individuals are all helping to make it a success.