Issue - meetings

A report on progress during 2017 in implementing the Epsom & Ewell Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2010-2020.

Following consideration, the Committee:

(1)          Noted progress during 2017 in implementing the Epsom and Ewell Local Biodiversity Plan.

The Committee received a report providing an update on progress in 2017 on the implementation of the Epsom and Ewell Local Biodiversity Plan. The following matters were considered:

a)            Funding for countryside and open spaces following ‘Brexit’. The Committee was informed that the majority of external grant funding for the council’s countryside and open spaces was received from European Union sources. There was uncertainty over the medium-long term impact of leaving the European Union (Brexit) on grant funding for countryside services, and officers were monitoring the situation. The Government had indicated that existing funding schemes would initially be maintained after Brexit.

b)            Stones Road allotment site. The Committee was informed that use of the Stones Road allotment site was currently suspended due to difficulties in its operation due to the presence of a population of Great Crested Newts in the neighbouring habitat. Officers continued to monitor the issue.

c)            Instances of Ash dieback and Oak Processionary Moth infestation in the Borough. The Committee received a verbal update on instances of Ash dieback disease and Oak Processionary Moth infestation in the Borough, and the control measures which were utilised in their management.

d)            Thanks to volunteers and staff. The Committee expressed its gratitude for all of the work undertaken in the Borough’s parks, countryside and open spaces by volunteers. It was noted that the Chairman would communicate the Committee’s thanks to the volunteer groups, and that an article would be included in the next issue of Borough Insight magazine.

The Committee also expressed its thanks to the Countryside Management Team for all their work on the Council’s behalf.

Following consideration, the Committee:

(1)          Noted progress during 2017 in implementing the Epsom and Ewell Local Biodiversity Plan.