Issue - meetings

This report asks the committee to agree to the principle of including Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Manor Open Space, Horton Country Park LNR, Hogsmill LNR and Nonsuch Park in the proposed Thames To Downs National Nature Reserve. The key objectives of inclusion in the National Nature Reserve are:

·                     Ensure the long-term protection and enhancement of the Borough’s biodiversity.

·                     Working in partnership to raise awareness and engagement in Biodiversity.

·                     In line with the Local Plan, identify and realise new opportunities for nature.

·                     Seek to secure sustainable long-term funding for the Borough’s open spaces.

In line with our Biodiversity Action Plan, taking opportunities to act locally to help address the global loss of biodiversity.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)          Agree that Officers continue to explore the possibility of including Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Manor Open Space, Horton Country Park LNR, Hogsmill LNR and Nonsuch Park in the proposed Thames To Downs National Nature Reserve, and report back to this Committee if Natural England indicate that we meet the criteria for entry into the proposed National Nature Reserve.

The Committee received a report asking the Committee to agree that Officers continue to explore the possibility of including Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Manor Open Space, Horton Country Park LNR, Hogsmill LNR and Nonsuch Park in the proposed Thames to Downs National Nature Reserve (NNR).

The Committee considered the following matters:

a)            External Funding. In response to a question from a Member, the Countryside Manager explained that entering into a partnership with other authorities and organisations involved in the NNR will increase Epsom & Ewell’s chances to secure external funding for the management of the sites within the borough.

b)            Affiliate Status. In response to a question from a Member, the Countryside Manager explained that sites, such as Epsom Downs, that have a high nature conservation value but do not have the primary purpose of nature conservation, could potentially become affiliated to the NNR which may allow them to secure long-term funding.

c)            Function of NNR and Publicity. In response to a question from a Member, the Countryside Manager stated that one of the functions of an NNR is to encourage people to become more involved and connected with nature. Through publicity, the NNR will allow more people to discover and experience the included sites. The Countryside Manager suggested there could be targeted publicity to help increase awareness of and accessibility to the sites for underrepresented groups, such as young people.

d)            Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-30. In response to a question from a Member in relation to the progression of the Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-30, the Countryside Manager stated he believed that over the long term, inclusion of the proposed sites within the NNR will secure and enhance biodiversity on a significant scale within the borough.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)          Agree that Officers continue to explore the possibility of including Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Manor Open Space, Horton Country Park LNR, Hogsmill LNR and Nonsuch Park in the proposed Thames to Downs National Nature Reserve, and report back to this Committee if Natural England indicate that we meet the criteria for entry into the proposed National Nature Reserve.