The Natural Environment Board met to discuss a range of environmental initiatives, including proposals for a Nature Recovery Strategy and updates on the Enjoying Green Spaces programme. The Board also reviewed financial outturns for the year and received updates on the Cool Streets and Greening programme.

Nature Recovery Strategy Development Proposal

The Board was scheduled to consider a proposal for the development of a corporate Nature Recovery Strategy. This strategy aims to set a long-term direction for biodiversity and nature across the City Corporation's functions, services, and assets, aligning with the second phase of the Climate Action Strategy (CAS) 2027-2033. The proposal outlined an approach to developing the strategy over 12 months, involving targeted consultation and establishing a strategic governance and reporting framework. The strategy is intended to go beyond statutory compliance to drive restoration, ecological connectivity, and long-term organisational and economic resilience, supporting regional and national targets for nature. It is anticipated that the strategy will help unlock significant value by identifying and leveraging funding opportunities, including grant funding, planning obligations, and emerging financing frameworks. The strategy development is fully funded through the CAS, with no additional cost implications.

Enjoying Green Spaces Annual Report and Policy Amendments

An annual report on the Enjoying Green Spaces and the Natural Environment (EGS) Funding Programme was presented, detailing projects funded in 2025/26 and analysing the impact of grants awarded over the last six years. The report highlighted that the EGS has distributed £458,261 in 41 grants to 28 unique organisations over the past six years. The average grant value was £11,177, with 71% of grants awarded for only one year. The report noted a significant increase in applications in 2025/26, leading to a drop in the approval rate to 25%. Members were asked to approve an amendment to the Fund's criteria to enable a broader range of impactful projects to be funded, simplifying the criteria while maintaining alignment with the Natural Environment Division's four key strategies.

Cool Streets and Greening Programme Update

An update was provided on the Cool Streets and Greening programme, which aims to enhance the resilience of public spaces and infrastructure to climate change impacts and create a greener City. The programme, in its sixth and final year, has completed 31 projects and four seasons of street tree planting. The report detailed progress across five phases: advanced projects, developed projects, city greening and biodiversity, sustainable drainage, and green and blue links. Recommendations included ringfencing approved funding beyond March 2027 to ensure project completion, reallocating £374,000 to other projects within the programme, reinstating the Playhouse Yard project, and noting the transfer of £700,000 for maintenance as a commuted sum.

Risk Management Update Report

A summary of the Risk Management Update Report was presented for information. This report provided assurance that risk management procedures within the Environment Department are satisfactory and meet the requirements of the Corporate Risk Management Framework and, where applicable, the Charities Act 2011. The report detailed the Natural Environment Cross-Divisional Risk Register and the City Gardens Risk Register, highlighting RED and AMBER risks and the actions being taken to manage them. Key risks identified included the decline in the condition of assets, impacts of anti-social behaviour, budget pressures, and readiness for the Natural Environment Charities Review implementation.

Environment Department High-Level Business Plan 2025-30 – Progress Report (End of Year)

The Board received an end-of-year progress report on the Environment Department's high-level Business Plan 2025-30. The report summarised progress made against priority workstreams and performance measures during 2025/26, noting that delivery of these workstreams has supported Corporate Plan outcomes and other cross-cutting strategies. The report indicated that good progress had been made against all workstreams, with performance generally on track.

Natural Environment Board Revenue Outturn 2025/26

The Board reviewed the revenue outturn for services overseen by the Board in 2025/26, comparing it to the final budget. The report separated information for City Gardens and Bunhill Fields (funded by City Fund) and the Natural Environment Directorate and Learning Team (funded by City's Estate). City Gardens and Bunhill Fields showed a net expenditure of £2.765m against a budget of £2.485m, an overspend of £280k. The Natural Environment Directorate and Learning Team had a net expenditure of £503k against a budget of £529k, an underspend of £26k. Explanations for significant budget variances were detailed in the report.

Landscape Recovery & Resilience Workstream (Carbon Action)

Officers from the Environment Department were scheduled to provide a verbal update on the Landscape Recovery & Resilience Workstream, focusing on carbon action.

City Gardens Update

Officers from the Environment Department were scheduled to provide a verbal update on the City Gardens.

City Gardens Project Update

Officers from the Environment Department were also scheduled to provide a verbal update on City Gardens projects.

Minutes

The Board was scheduled to agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the previous meeting held on 30 April 2026.