“Biodiversity is a term used to describe the enormous variety of life on Earth. It can be used more specifically to refer to all of the species in one region or ecosystem.
Biodiversity refers to every living thing, including plants, bacteria, animals, and humans.
Scientists have estimated that there are around 8.7 million species of plants and animals in existence. However, only around 1.2 million species have been identified and described so far, most of which are insects.
This means that millions of other organisms remain a complete mystery.” National Geographic
Why does it matter in Seaford?
“Biodiversity matters because without it, the world would cease to exist as we know it and we would not survive. Essential for humans and wildlife, it’s responsible for the food we eat and the air we breathe. On a local level we depend on it for protection from threats like pollution and flooding and on a global scale it can prevent climate breakdown.
We are currently facing a Climate and Ecological Emergency, a declaration made by governments across the world.
The British Parliament declared a State of Emergency in 2019 and recently Seaford Town Council declared one too. Biodiversity and the Climate are intricately linked, and we cannot tackle one without the other.
Natural ecosystems suck up 60% of our carbon emissions, and nature-based solutions, like planting trees, nurturing soils, and restoring ecosystems, can provide over a third of the climate solutions needed until 2030.”
Seaford Environmental Alliance (read more here)
In Seaford many groups and individuals are trying to increase biodiversity by planting trees and wildflowers, letting lawns and verges grow longer and encouraging wildlife friendly plants and practices into our gardens.
Is this working? How would we know? It’s crucial to record the plants and wildlife found here, so that we can see how species are declining or recovering.
Groups like Seaford Natural History Society, Greenhavens and On the Verge, run regular events to learn about and observe and record the wildlife around the town. On the Verge are working on plans to map these green corridors and the ensure the wildflowers and wildlife are recorded.
The SEA climate hub in Clinton Place is a fantastic place to talk to learn more about biodiversity and climate change. There are books you can borrow, regular events and a special area for children.
Find out more about data recording at the website for Sussex Biodiversity Records Centre. This is one of the many environmental record centres situated around the UK, a repository, custodian, manager and analyst of high-quality biodiversity, natural history and environmental information.
