Glossary

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is a term used to describe the variety of living things. It includes all species of plants and animals, the genetic variation amongst them, and the complex ecosystems of which they are a part. The term itself is formed from the combination of the two words ‘Biological’ and ‘Diversity’.

Downland is formed when chalk formations are raised above the surrounding rocks. The chalk slowly erodes to form characteristic rolling hills and valleys. As the chalk layer is generally tilted, chalk downland formations typically have a marked scarp slope on one side, which is very steep (an escarpment), and a dip slope on the other. Areas of downland are often referred to as 'downs'.

This is a non-statutory designations for sites of county significance for wildlife or geology. Positive management of CWS's is encouraged and development affecting them is controlled by Local Plan policies.

An ecosystem is a functional unit consisting of all the living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) in a given area, and all the non-living physical and chemical factors of their environment, linked together through nutrient cycling and energy flow. An ecosystem can be of any size, for example: a log, a pond, field, forest, or the earth's biosphere. However, it always functions as a whole unit.

Variation among and within species that is attributable to differences in hereditary material

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are for both people and wildlife. They are places with wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally. They offer people opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it. There are now over 1050 LNRs in England - visit the English Nature website to find out more.

These occur on soils that are neither markedly acid nor basic. The term applies to areas that have not been subject to any significant degree of agricultural intensification.

SSSIs cover 7% of England's land area - they are the country's best wildlife and geology sites. Visit the English Nature website for more information, including documents on how sites are designated as SSSIs.

A unitary authority is a type of local authority, which has a single-tier and is responsible for all local government functions within its area. Swindon is now a Unitary Authority.