The Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a strategic approach to biodiversity, habitat, and the local environment, as well as a refreshed Tree Management Strategy. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items.

Action for Nature - A Strategic Approach to Biodiversity, Habitat and the Local Environment

The committee was scheduled to consider the refreshed draft of Action for Nature – A Strategic Approach to Biodiversity, Habitat and the Local Environment and its supporting Action Plan. This strategy aims to outline how Leicestershire County Council will fulfil its duties regarding biodiversity conservation and enhancement, and its role as the responsible authority for the Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). The report highlighted the legislative context, including the Environment Act 2021, which introduced a strengthened Biodiversity Duty for public bodies and made Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) a mandatory requirement for developments.

The strategy outlines guiding principles such as a whole systems approach and an evidence-based approach to biodiversity management. It identifies broad areas for action, including improving land management practices on council-owned land, supporting tenants in better land management, and ensuring biodiversity is integrated into council policies, plans, and projects. The report also detailed the importance of biodiversity as natural capital and its contribution to ecosystem services, such as climate regulation and the provision of food and medicine. The Action Plan includes specific actions under themes like land management, monitoring, invasive species control, partnerships, agriculture, and community engagement. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring progress include Hectares of Leicestershire County Council land in better management for nature and the Percentage of suitable Leicestershire County Council land in better management for nature.

Tree Management Strategy

The committee was also scheduled to review a refreshed draft of the Tree Management Strategy, which sets out the approach for managing the County Council's trees and woodlands. The strategy aims to raise the profile and appreciation of trees, manage the impact of Ash Dieback, and ensure the continued benefits of trees and woodlands through increased planting. The report noted the council's legal duty to manage trees on its land, including parks, open spaces, and the public highway, and the estimated 321,000 trees under its stewardship.

The strategy emphasises the significant amenity, environmental, ecological, and landscape benefits of trees, as assessed through methodologies like the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) system and i-Tree Eco software. The report highlighted the substantial impact of Ash Dieback, presenting a public safety risk and necessitating a comprehensive response, including replanting initiatives. The strategy's aims include conserving and enhancing the tree resource, promoting public safety through inspection and maintenance, fulfilling legal obligations, informing the public, establishing sustainable management programmes for council woodlands, and increasing tree planting across Leicestershire. The report also detailed the council's approach to tree inspection, maintenance, and the standards of work, referencing British Standards and industry best practices. It also addressed the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of bio-security in tree management.