Agenda item

The report of the Executive Manager – Communities is attached.

It was RESOLVED that

a)     the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy 2021 – 2025 be adopted;

b)     the funding for the Free Tree Scheme be extended to include funding of £50,000 over 2021 – 2025 within the Strategy, to cover planting of trees and to support the introduction of wildflowers seed distribution in line with the Strategy lifecycle; and

c)    That the Council should work with neighbouring local planning authorities and partner organisations to introduce biodiversity net gain policies that complement the Nature Conservation Strategy’s objectives.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and the Environment presented the report of the Executive Manager – Communities outlining the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy 2021-2025.

The Portfolio Holder for Community and the Environment welcomed the implementation of the new Strategy and advised that it reflected the Council’s commitment and ambition to this important issue.  The Council was proud of the Borough’s natural heritage and was committed to ensure its enhancement and sustainability going forward.  Cabinet was advised that given the significant growth forecast for the Borough, it was essential that any growth was sustainable, took account of conservation issues, and the bio-diversity net gains that were likely to be required from the emerging Environment Bill. 

The Portfolio Holder for Community and the Environment gave a brief overview of the history of the previous Strategy and its achievements, details of which were highlighted in the report.  Cabinet was advised that in order to protect and build upon those previous achievements, a new Strategy had been required and that had been developed by the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy Implementation Group (RNCSIG), which was jointly heading by the Council and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, together with a broad range of key partners.  It was noted that as part of the recommendations in the report, funding to extend the Council’s very successful Free Tree Scheme over 2021-2025 should be approved, together with the introduction of wildflower seed distribution in line with the Strategy’s lifecycle.  The Portfolio Holder for Community and the Environment gave a brief overview of the key points and objectives within the Strategy, details of which were highlighted in the report and advised that the Strategy had been considered by the Communities Scrutiny Group and undergone a public consultation process in November and December 2020.

In conclusion, the Portfolio Holder for Community and the Environment referred to the hard work and dedication of the numerous partner organisations and volunteers and stated that it was important to recognise their hard work and achievements and encourage more people to become involved.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Upton agreed that it had been timely to review the previous Strategy, and now adopt the new one.  Cabinet noted that significant pressures including climate change, population increase, and associated housing growth would all put pressure on the natural environment.  Councillor Upton stated that new housing developments should be as sustainable as possible and include bio-diversity measures, with the forthcoming Environment Bill proposing at least a 10% bio-diversity net gain for all new developments.  It was pleasing to note that the Free Tree Scheme would be extended, and the introduction of the wildflower seeding was to be applauded. 

The Leader endorsed the thanks given to the volunteers and partner organisations that had worked extremely hard, and stated that without their help, the implementation of the Strategy would be almost impossible to achieve.  The Borough was fortunate to have a unique and diverse landscape, which should be nurtured and preserved, and it was pleasing to note that the Council would be working with other local planning authorities to ensure that high standards were driven up and maintained.  In conclusion, the Leader welcomed the ambition of the Strategy and looked forward to its implementation.

Councillor Edyvean added that the implementation of the Strategy would also be welcomed by parish councils across the Borough.    

It was RESOLVED that

a)     the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy 2021 – 2025 be adopted;

b)     the funding for the Free Tree Scheme be extended to include funding of £50,000 over 2021 – 2025 within the Strategy, to cover planting of trees and to support the introduction of wildflowers seed distribution in line with the Strategy lifecycle; and

c)    that the Council should work with neighbouring local planning authorities and partner organisations to introduce biodiversity net gain policies that complement the Nature Conservation Strategy’s objectives.