Environmental policy More information on our Ecology Service and environmental policy. Biodiversity Action Plan Worcestershire biodiversity action plan identifies 17 habitats and 26 species, or species groups, which are of particular conservation priority. Ecology Planning Advice The National Planning Policy Framework (2012) sets out the national policies on the protection of biodiversity within the planning system. Protected and Notable Species The Worcestershire County Council ecology team provide a range of in-house ecological services. Worcestershire Habitat Inventory The Worcestershire Habitat Inventory 2 is a mapping tool that displays land use and habitat data. Roadside Verge Nature Reserves The purpose of the project is to identify, protect and manage verges of significant conservation interest. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 The act created Natural England and the Commission for Rural Communities. Worcestershire Local Sites Partnership Worcestershire has a rich and diverse countryside which includes areas of international, national, county and local importance. Worcestershire Pollinator Strategy In October 2015 Worcestershire County Council declared itself a ‘pollinator-friendly’ county. Landscape Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Character Assessment is a tool for identifying the patterns that make each type of landscape distinct to those who live and work in it. Landscape Character Assessment supplementary guidance The Landscape Character Assessment supplementary guidance document. Woodland guidelines The Woodland guidelines document provides guidance on native woodland planting and management in Worcestershire.