Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer together with a verbal update.

Members were advised that progress on the Curbridge Roundabout wildflower project had been delayed following discussions with contractors regarding traffic management requirements. A Member, in their capacity as an Oxfordshire County Councillor, offered to assist Officers in seeking traffic management support and progressing the project.

Updates were provided on grant applications submitted to Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (TOE), ongoing biodiversity monitoring across Council sites and partnership working with local conservation organisations.

Members also considered a biodiversity planting proposal for the large bed at Fiveways roundabout which had been raised during Public Participation and were advised via an officer update that many of the principles were already reflected the Council's existing planting strategy for the town and the ongoing transition towards increased perennial planting.

Members supported the continued development of perennial planting schemes, recognising the biodiversity and long-term maintenance benefits. Updates were also provided on future biodiversity recording projects, including species surveys and monitoring initiatives.

The Committee welcomed the biodiversity improvements being achieved across Council-managed land and thanked Officers and volunteers that provided support for their continued work.

Resolved:

1. That, the report be noted;
2. That, assistance be sought through Oxfordshire County Council to help address traffic management requirements associated with the Curbridge Roundabout wildflower project; and
3. That, support be given to the continued development of perennial planting schemes as part of future budget planning.