Biodiversity | Dundee City Council

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things and includes diversity within a species, between different species, between habitats and the ecosystems of which they are a part. Greater levels of biodiversity helps to ensure the natural sustainability of all life, which is especially important in a time of global climate change.

The following StoryMap provides more information on what biodiversity is, why it is important and where to find it across the city.

In order to raise awareness of the wildlife (flora and fauna) of Dundee in an international, national and local context a biodiversity Action Plan has been produced for Dundee. This plan aims to highlight the contribution and influence of our local biodiversity on the quality of life and economic opportunities of everyone who lives in the city.

This plan will focus action on the ecosystems, habitats and species most in need and ensure prioritisation of resources at a local level. It will set out clear objectives and targets to enable us to measure any achievements.

Download the Biodiversity Action Plan for Dundee, 2020-2030 (4.72MB PDF)

This plan is currently under review. An updated Action Plan will be available later in 2026.

Dundee’s Nature Network

Changes in how land is used, along with the breaking up of natural habitats, are major drivers of the decline in wildlife and biodiversity. These issues are especially serious in urban areas, where space is limited and development continues to be a priority.

To help tackle this, Nature Networks have been created as a way to identify important natural areas and understand how well they are connected. They also highlight opportunities to restore damaged habitats, improve how sites are managed, and strengthen links between green spaces so wildlife can move more easily.

Following guidance from NatureScot, a draft Nature Network Map has now been produced, and we would like to hear the views of local residents and other members of the public.

To find out more and take part in the online survey, please visit Dundee’s Draft Nature Network Consultation.

Planning and Biodiversity

The Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) in Scotland sets out requirements for development to deliver positive effects for biodiversity. Nature Scot has produced Developing with Nature Guidance to support this, which contains advice on the many ways in which actions for nature can be incorporated into new developments at a variety of scales.

Dundee City Council is responsible for many areas of local planning and development and the Local Development Plan, adopted in 2019, contains policies related to biodiversity under the heading of Sustainable and Built Environment. This plan is currently under review, to find out more please visit Dundee Local Development Plan Review | Dundee City Council

Some trees in the city are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. This means that there must be a formal application to carry out any work on them. To find out where these protections apply and more information on the application process visit the Tree Preservation Area of this website.

Under Regulation 15 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994 Dundee City Council is required to have a register of European protected sites within their boundary. Dundee City Council’s registry is below with a link to a map and further details on each site on the NatureScot SiteLink Website:

Invasive Non-native Species

An invasive non-native species is any non-native animal or plant that could spread, causing damage to the environment, the economy, our health and the way we live.

One of the species of concern in Dundee is giant hogweed. More information can be found about it on the giant hogweed page on this website.

For more information about other species found in Dundee and across Scotland see the following sites:

Report Downloads

Leaflet Downloads

The council continues to look at ways in which biodiversity can be enhanced in the city. More information on some of this work can be found using the links below:

We want to build a fuller picture of the many biodiversity projects taking place across the city. If you’ve recently taken part in a local project that supports nature and wildlife, we’d love to hear about it.

By gathering this information, we can help promote the great work already happening and share learning that could inspire others.

If you would like to tell us about your project, please complete the online form here.

Or do you have a great idea for a project to support local biodiversity that you would like some support and advice on? Please complete the online form here and we will get back to you.

Contact Details

Email: environment.mgt@dundeecity.gov.uk