Doncaster Council to progress plans for UNESCO recognition for 'nationally significant' local landscape
The Doncaster Humberhead Levels are home to some of the most important natural habitats in the country.
Doncaster Council is moving forward with plans to get UNESCO recognition for a “nationally significant” local site.
The authority has been working on proposals to nominate the Doncaster Humberhead Levels to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve, since 2022.
Lee Tillman, executive director of policy, partnerships and investment at the council, said: “This ambition… would make Doncaster Humberhead Biosphere the first UNESCO Biosphere in the North of England.
“This means better health and wellbeing through cleaner environments and high-quality green spaces, alongside a stronger local economy driven by nature-based businesses, sustainable tourism and green skills.
“It brings increased investment, partnerships and research opportunities, improves resilience to climate change and fosters a stronger sense of local pride with global recognition for environmental leadership.”
Mayor Ros Jones and her cabinet are set to give the green light on progressing the council’s nomination when it meets on June 17, 2026.
Officers have recommended the cabinet progress the submission to UNESCO.
The report to cabinet, published on the council’s website, states: “It is important to note… what a biosphere designation WILL and WON’T do, specifically that it will NOT bring new restrictions or regulations to the use of land.”
The Doncaster Humberhead Levels are home to some of the most important natural habitats in the country, which the council says need protecting, enhancing and celebrating, such as the two large lowland peatlands – the biggest in England.
“These landscapes are ecologically rich, they serve as vital carbon sinks, and important habitats for rare species,” the cabinet report reads.
“They are, however, increasingly vulnerable, as illustrated by the major 2020 wildfire on Hatfield Moors. The 2024 Climate Change Committee report highlighted peatland restoration as a key area where the UK is currently falling behind,” it adds.
If the submission is approved and runs as expected, the council hopes to have a decision from UNESCO in July 2027.