Decision

Summary of
Decision
The Cabinet Member has approved the adoption
of the Greening and Biodiversity Strategy, and has noted that the
subsequent action plan to deliver the strategy will be brought to
the Cabinet Member for approval.
 
Reasons for
Decision
In recognition of the considerable
biodiversity loss experienced globally, and as part of the
council’s efforts to deliver a Fairer Environment, the
council declared an Ecological Emergency in September 2023. It
committed to making parks, housing estates and open spaces more
hospitable to wildlife and working with local schools, businesses,
community groups and supply chains to protect and enhance habitats
across the city.
One year on from the declaration, the Greening
and Biodiversity Strategy sets out the council’s strategic
response to the Ecological Emergency declaration. It is underpinned
by a Green Infrastructure Audit of the city and analysis of
resident access to local green space through our Environmental
Justice Measure tool. It seeks to harness and build on the work of
all our services, networks, and levers to better balance local
resource use with protecting and enhancing the valuable support
services our green spaces provide for our wildlife and society.