Biodiversity

Biodiversity

Introduction

Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals and habitats that exist in our local environment. Football Clubs are uniquely placed to support biodiversity, as pitches, grounds and surrounding spaces can provide valuable habitats for nature if managed thoughtfully.

From grasslands and hedgerows to trees, flowers and waterways, even small changes in how Club spaces are managed can help protect wildlife, support pollinators, and improve local ecosystems. Biodiversity action also enhances the look and feel of Club environments, creating more welcoming spaces for players, volunteers and the community.

Whether your Club owns its grounds or uses shared facilities, there are many ways to support biodiversity. Clubs can influence land management practices, work with facility owners and create nature-friendly spaces that deliver environmental, social and educational benefits.

This Topic supports Clubs to assess current biodiversity, identify opportunities for improvement and take practical action that fits their setting.

Use the steps below to explore this topic in more detail and support your Club to turn ideas into action. Click into each step and work through them in order, using the guidance and resources provided to support your Club. You do not need to complete everything at once; take action at a pace that works for your Club and return to the steps as your Together Greener journey develops.

Use the steps below to explore this topic in more detail and support your Club to turn ideas into action. Click into each step and work through them in order, using the guidance and resources provided to support your Club. You do not need to complete everything at once; take action at a pace that works for your Club and return to the steps as your Together Greener journey develops.

Assess

Understanding what already exists is the starting point for supporting biodiversity.

The ‘ASSESS’ step helps Clubs identify habitats, green spaces and natural features in and around their grounds. This may include pitches, training areas, car parks, boundaries, hedgerows, trees and nearby green or blue spaces.

Assessment does not require specialist knowledge. Simple walk-around audits and observations can help Clubs recognise opportunities and risks, even in urban or shared facilities.

Resources in this section will help Clubs:
  • Identify existing habitats and natural features.
  • Understand how different areas are managed.
  • Spot opportunities to support pollinators and wildlife.

Identify areas where management practices could change.

Download

Biodiversity Audit

Identify

Once current biodiversity is understood, Clubs can identify actions that will have the greatest benefit.

This step encourages Clubs to think creatively about how spaces are used and managed beyond the pitch itself. Not all actions require large areas or significant investment.

Clubs may identify actions such as:
  • Managing off-pitch grass areas to support pollinators.
  • Reducing the use of herbicides and chemicals.
  • Protecting and managing existing hedgerows and trees.
  • Planting native trees, shrubs and wildflowers.
  • Providing nesting places for wild bees, insects and birds.
  • Creating biodiversity walking trails around the Club grounds.
  • Working with neighbours, schools or community groups on nature projects.

This section will offer a wide range of ideas, allowing Clubs to choose actions that suit their space, capacity and local environment.

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Tips For Biodiversity

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Manage Hedgegrows For Biodiversity

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Reduce Herbicide Use

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Manage Off-Pitch Grass For Pollinators

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Plant For Biodiversity

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Creating Habitats For Nature

Act

The ‘ACT’ STEP focuses on turning biodiversity ideas into action.

Clubs can select a small number of actions that are achievable and plan how they will be delivered over time. Some actions may be seasonal, while others may be one-off improvements or long-term changes in management practices.

This section supports clubs to:
  • Develop a simple biodiversity action plan.
  • Assign responsibilities within the Together Greener Team.
  • Plan actions around the football calendar, along with climate and nature awareness days.
  • Track progress and learning.

Starting small and building confidence is encouraged. Biodiversity gains often increase over time as habitats become established.

Download

Biodiversity – Action Plan Template

Communicate

Communicating biodiversity actions helps build awareness, pride and engagement across the Club.

Nature projects can be highly visible and provide opportunities to involve players, volunteers, families and the wider community. Sharing why changes are being made helps build understanding and support.

This section provides guidance and resources to help Clubs:

  • Promote biodiversity actions within the Club.
  • Engage players and volunteers in nature activities.
  • Share learning and progress with the community.
  • Celebrate biodiversity improvements and success stories.

Positive communication helps connect people with nature and reinforces the club’s role as a community asset.

Download

Communications Guide

Review

Reviewing biodiversity actions helps Clubs understand what has worked and how nature is responding.

This step focuses on reflecting on actions taken, observing changes in habitats and species, and learning what could be improved or expanded.

Clubs are encouraged to:

  • Review biodiversity actions and outcomes.
  • Record observations and feedback.
  • Capture learning to inform future plans.
  • Update Together Greener Goals as biodiversity projects develop.

Regular review supports long-term biodiversity improvement and helps Clubs build on success year after year.

Case Study

Funding & support

This section includes a variety of funding opportunities that could support your Together Greener actions. These opportunities may help Clubs plan improvements, invest in facilities or take forward sustainability projects over time. Availability and eligibility will vary, so Clubs are encouraged to review options carefully and consider how funding could support their Green Goals.

Further resources

The resources below provide additional guidance, tools and inspiration to support your Club beyond the Together Greener Programme. These external resources can help deepen understanding, offer practical ideas and support Clubs to continue learning and improving at their own pace.

Click on another topic below to continue your journey.

Learn More

Energy

Learn More

Biodiversity

Learn More

Water

Learn More

Travel

Learn More

Waste

Learn More

Management