Agenda item

The report of the Executive Manager – Communities is attached.

The Communities Manager presented the report of the Executive Manager – Communities which detailed the draft Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy aims and objectives, developed by the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy Implementation Group (RNCSIG) in which the Council were represented. It was explained that the aims and objectives of the strategy detailed ways to enhance and protect Rushcliffe’s wildlife. The objective of this Strategy is to protect and enhance Rushcliffe’s wildlife interest, whilst helping achieve the Nottinghamshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan objectives.

It was noted that the RNCSIG was now consulting on developing the strategy and asked the Group to provide comments on the draft aims and objectives of the strategy.  It was explained that a wider public consultation would follow and then a final draft version of the Strategy would be returned to Communities Scrutiny Group in 2021 for endorsement and to seek commitment in the delivery of the Strategy.

The Environmental Sustainability Officer delivered a presentation to the Group which covered:

·       Pledge for Nature

·       Rushcliffe Today

·       Achievements of 2015 – 2020

·       Proposed Strategic Aims 2021 – 2025

·       Proposed Objectives 2021 – 2025

·       Woodland and Trees

·       Species-rich Grassland on Roadsides

·       Grantham Canal

·       Biodiversity net gain

·       Next Stages

Following the presentation, the Group asked numerous questions regarding planning applications and biodiversity net gain. The Environmental Sustainability Officer explained that developments would now have to prove that bio-diversity would increase. The Environmental Sustainability Officer was pleased to note that the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust promoted developments of high bio diversity value. Councillors also raised concerns about the fences installed in new developments which did not allow wildlife to move around freely. The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing suggested that councillors should raise their views regarding the planning for the future consultation which closed on 29 October.

The Group also proposed that the Grantham Canal had to be maintained. It was noted that the canal had become dry from leaks which consequently, saw a reduction in wildlife. Councillor Combellack stated that she had formed the Grantham Canal Water Restoration Group with the Chairman of Kinoulton Parish Council. It was explained that the aim of the Group was to apply pressure to the Canal and Rivers Trust and the Grantham Canal Society and to seek funding opportunities to resolve the water loss problem at the basins in Hickling and Kinoulton. It was suggested that the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy needed to provide robust support to the Grantham Canal in order for the rural asset to be preserved. It was agreed that the Council would write to the Canal and Rivers Trust and the Grantham Canal Society to explain their concerns. The Environment Sustainability Officer also agreed to circulate a position statement from the Canal and Rivers Trust which would inform the Group of their future actions.

The Group were informed that Nottinghamshire County Council were actively planting native seeds and altering mowing schedules to selected road verges to increase wild flowering across the County. The Group were pleased to note that the number of volunteers had increased every year at nature reserves such as Skylarks at Holme Pierrepont. The Chairman suggested that it be recommended to Cabinet that the funding allocated for the free tree scheme be extended in the hope that the number of trees allocated would increase now that some restrictions due to Covid 19 had eased. 

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The report of the Executive Manager – Communities be noted.

b)    The draft Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy aims and objectives be considered.   

c)    The RNCSIG commitment to developing guidance on Bio-Diversity net gain related to planning development in response to the Environment Bill currently making its way through Parliament be endorsed.

d)    The Council write to the Canal and Rivers Trust and the Grantham Canal Society to explain their concerns.

e)    A position statement from the Canal and Rivers Trust to inform the Group of their future actions be circulated.

f)      It be recommended to Cabinet that the funding for the free tree scheme be extended and that this includes the introduction of wildflowers seeds distribution to be incorporated into the scheme for future years as per the motion considered.

g)    The scheme would run coterminous with the Nature Conservation Strategy.