Purpose

1.1  To present the process for enhancing biodiversity on Council owned Strategic Parks and Open Spaces and endorse the short, medium, and long-term goals for continued improvement in Biodiversity habitat on those sites in readiness for future funding opportunities.

1.2  As part of the Climate Strategy, adopted in February 2023, the Council has also committed to delivering a biodiversity programme across the District to include community and Council-owned Open Spaces.

1.3  This report seeks endorsement to plan to improve nature across the District and secure physical and mental health co-benefits for our residents.

Decision

The Cabinet:

1)  approved of the following delivery schedule for planned biodiversity enhancement work for HDC strategic sites:

Short-term (Tranche 1) – 1 - 2 Years

·  Hill Rise Park, St Ives

·  Priory Park, St Neots

·  Spring Common, Huntingdon

Medium-term (Tranche 2) – 3 – 5 Years

·  Barford Road Pocket Park, St Neots

·  Stukeley Meadows Nature Reserve, Huntingdon

·  Sapley Playing Fields, Huntingdon

Long-term (Tranche 3) – 5 – 10 Years

·  Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon

·  Riverside Park, St Neots

·  Oxmoor Urban Park, Huntingdon

·  Berman Park, St Ives

·  Paxton Pits, Little Paxton

·  The Thicket, St Ives

·  Holt Island, St Ives

2)  endorsed the decision to commission a delivery partner to lead on the design, consultation and delivery of the work.

Reasons for the decision

As outlined in the report.

Alternative options considered

As outlined in the report.