Issue - meetings

This report asks the committee to agree the next 10 year Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-30, which builds on the successes and knowledge gained from the original 10 yr plan 2010-20.

Following consideration, it was resolved that the Committee:

(1)      Recommended that the Council adopts the Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-30, as currently drafted and agrees that this Council should support the working group to work in partnership with locally based organisations and individuals to implement and develop the plan.

The Committee received a report asking it to agree the next 10 year Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-30.

The following points were considered:

a)            Biodiversity net-gain. The Committee noted that it was anticipated that the upcoming Environment Bill would mandate a requirement for biodiversity net-gain during the delivery of housing and infrastructure developments.

b)            Engagement with schools. Following a question from a Member, the Committee was informed that the Council’s Countryside Officers engaged with local schools regarding relevant wildlife and countryside projects.

c)            Integration with Operational Services. The Committee noted that the integration of the Council’s Countryside Management Team with the Operational Services Division had been highly successful and produced a number of joined-up working opportunities.

d)            Reed bed for Chamber Mead, Hogsmill LNR. Following a question from a Member, the Committee was informed that a proposed reed bed in the Chamber Mead area of the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve was a joint project in conjunction with the South East River Trust, who would be leading on the identification and access to grant funding to enable it.

 Following consideration, it was resolved unanimously that the Committee:

(1)      Agreed the Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-30, as currently drafted and agreed that this Council should support the working group to work in partnership with locally based organisations and individuals to implement and develop the plan.