Agenda item

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

With the permission of the Chair, this item was moved up the agenda to allow the Biodiversity & Green Spaces Officer (B&GSO)to leave the meeting on its completion.

The Committee received and considered a Management Plan Summary along with a verbal update from the B&GSO. This was a summary of the larger plan written by the B&GSO which would cover the Country Park and also be responsible for delivery of smaller biodiversity projects across the town.

Members offered their thanks for the results seen so far in what had been a short period since the B&GSO joined the council. His vision and pragmatic approach had inspired confidence.

The Committee were encouraged to spread the word with any individuals or groups to try and bolster the bank of volunteers; the B&GSO had a regular group of eight to ten members who assisted with the work outlined in the plan.

The B&GSO also updated members on the level of wildlife observed at the lake and on the adjoining meadow along with reassurance that he was conscious of the budget parameters and would continue to make cost savings where possible such as the re-use of three field gates rather than the purchase of new, a cost saving of approx. £1,000.

Recommended:

1.      That, the Management Summary and verbal update be noted and,

2.      That, the Management Plan Summary be approved as a live document and,

3.      That, the plan be reviewed on an annual basis and,

4.      That, the plan be published and promoted so that residents are aware of the work being carried out.