The Natural Environment Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 30 April 2026, to discuss a range of environmental matters. Key topics include a progress update on the Youth Natural Environment Board, a statutory biodiversity report, and updates on City Gardens and the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Statutory Biodiversity Report

The Board is scheduled to receive a statutory biodiversity report, which is a requirement for public authorities under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, as amended by the Environment Act 2021. This report details the City Corporation's actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity, aligning with national targets to halt species decline and protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The report, available as City Corporation's Statutory Biodiversity Report 2026, outlines achievements such as the enhancement or creation of over 17,800m² of open space and the planting of 193 trees. It also details the City Corporation's approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and its role as trustee for eight Natural Environment Charities managing extensive open spaces. The report highlights the importance of integrating biodiversity into decision-making, managing land sustainably, and supporting local nature recovery strategies.

Youth Natural Environment Board - Progress Update

A progress update is scheduled to be received from Simon Lightman, Co-founder of the Youth Natural Environment Board. This board aims to engage young people in environmental initiatives.

City Gardens Update

Officers from the Environment Department are scheduled to provide a verbal update on City Gardens. This will likely cover the management and development of green spaces within the City.

Biodiversity Action Plan Annual Update

The Board is scheduled to receive an annual update on the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The current BAP, running from 2021 to 2026, outlines priorities for biodiversity within the Square Mile, including target species and habitats, and details four key action plans: Open Spaces and Habitat Management, The Built Environment, Education and Community Engagement, and Data Collection, Surveys and Monitoring. The report indicates that the BAP is approximately 75% complete, with six actions fully completed. Key priorities for the remaining period include completing a review of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), developing a recording strategy, and collating BAP documents for internal and external promotion. The BAP will be succeeded by a Local Nature Recovery Action Plan.

Non-Voting External Representative Appointment to Natural Environment Board

Approval is sought for the reappointment of Tony Leach as a non-voting external Member of the Natural Environment Board for a further three-year term. Mr. Leach's current two-year term is due to expire in May 2026. The report notes that the appointment of non-voting external members was agreed in January 2024 to enhance the Board's membership with specific expertise.

Risk Management Update

A report is scheduled to be presented to provide assurance that risk management procedures within the Environment Department are satisfactory and comply with the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011. The report includes summaries of the Natural Environment Cross-Divisional Risk Register and the City Gardens Risk Register, detailing identified risks and mitigation actions. Key risks highlighted include the Decline in condition of assets (rated Red), Impacts of anti-social behaviour on staff and sites (rated Red), and Budget pressures and 'business as usual' resourcing (rated Red). The report indicates that while some risks are well-controlled, ongoing actions are in place to manage and reduce them.

City Gardens Update

Officers from the Environment Department are scheduled to provide a verbal update on City Gardens. This update will likely cover ongoing projects, maintenance, and any new initiatives related to the City's green spaces.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The meeting agenda also includes items for information such as the Order of the Court of Common Council, and for decision, the election of a Chair and Deputy Chair, and the confirmation of previous minutes. The appointment of a representative to the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee is also scheduled for decision.