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Agenda item

WODC Land Management Plans

Purpose

This paper presents:

·         Information on the development of Land Management Plans across twelve key sites owned and/or managed by WODC.

·         A proposed set of Land Management Plans be released to the public for engagement following Full Council approval, outlining changes to Ubico’s management of the sites and longer-term projects that external funding could be sought for externally.

·         A request for approval to allocate funding from the climate budget to deliver projects across the sites that will enhance their biodiversity value.

 

Recommendation

a)    that the Land Management Plans for public engagement and subsequent implementation from March 2022 be approved; and

b)    a sum of £11,800 be allocated from the climate budget for a variety of projects to enhance biodiversity across key sites under WODC’s ownership and management in financial year 2021/22.

Minutes:

Members received a report from the Biodiversity & Countryside Land Management Officer which: presented information on the development of Land Management Plans across twelve key sites owned and/or managed by WODC; proposed a set of Land Management Plans to be released to the public for engagement following Council approval, outlining changes to Ubico’s management of the sites and longer-term projects that external funding could be sought for externally; and requested approval to allocate funding from the climate budget to deliver projects across the sites that would enhance their biodiversity value.

 

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Councillor Harvey introduced the report and highlighted the amount of work that had been taking place behind the scenes.  He outlined the request for funding, signposted Members to the twelve areas of green space that had been selected for their current and potential value for wildlife and introduced the report author, Rachel Crookes to the meeting.  Councillor Harvey proposed the recommendations as laid out and these were seconded by Councillor Coul.

 

Councillor Enright expressed his support and thanked all individuals involved in the comprehensive presentation.  He was pleased that residential areas such as Madley Park had been recognised as rich potential for biodiversity habitats.

 

Councillor Coles welcomed the report and commended the officers for their work.  He reiterated the importance of biodiversity and was pleased that Bathing Place Lane had been included in the report.  Councillor Coles also stressed the importance of not carrying out routine tree maintenance in the breeding season and Councillor Harvey assured him that this had been taken on board and officers were in discussions with Ubico.

 

Councillor Poskitt supported the report and queried the collection of grass cuttings, tree planting schemes for the Queen’s jubilee and asked if the installation of swift boxes could be subsidised.  Councillor Harvey responded to the queries and agreed to come back on the issue of swift boxes once he had spoken to officers.

 

Councillor Cooper queried why the Council was taking responsibility for some areas that fell under the remit of Parish and Town Councils and was advised that some of these instances had naturally occurred over time and were as a result of historic circumstances.

 

Following a query from Councillor Prosser relating to flood mitigation measures upstream on the River Windrush, Councillor Harvey explained that this was an ongoing situation and discussions were taking place with the Cabinet Member and officers.

 

Finally, Councillor Postan asked if this work could be extended to include the verges of major roads which were ideal for encouraging biodiversity.  Councillor Harvey agreed that he was happy to discuss with the County Highways department.

 

Having considered the report and having heard from the Members present, Council

 

Resolved that

a)    the Land Management Plans be approved for public engagement and subsequent implementation from March 2022; and

b)    a sum of £11,800 be allocated from the climate budget for a variety of projects to enhance biodiversity across key sites under WODC’s ownership and management in financial year 2021/22.

 

 

Supporting documents:

 

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