The Climate Scrutiny Committee of Waltham Forest Council was scheduled to discuss the borough's Green and Blue Infrastructure Vision and Strategy, climate engagement with schools, and review the committee's scrutiny report. The meeting's agenda also included an update on air quality and a review of the previous meeting's minutes.

Green and Blue Infrastructure Vision and Strategy

The committee was scheduled to review a report outlining a cohesive Green and Blue Infrastructure Vision and Strategy. This strategy aims to integrate various council initiatives to deliver on the council's Local Plan and Climate Action Plan, and to respond to declarations of a Nature Emergency and Climate Emergency. The report detailed the borough's existing green and blue assets, such as Epping Forest and Walthamstow Wetlands, and their importance for amenity, well-being, and climate change mitigation.

The strategy proposed a mission-based approach to promoting, protecting, and enhancing a well-connected network of green and blue spaces, ensuring equitable access for all residents. It also outlined plans for clear communication about projects, resident involvement, and the identification of future funding opportunities. The report detailed how specific projects, including Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs)¹, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)², and the Urban Greening Factor (UGF)³, would be incorporated. The strategy also addressed the council's Nature Emergency declaration and the London Local Nature Recovery Strategy⁴.

Climate Engagement with Schools

A report was scheduled to provide an overview of how Waltham Forest Council engages with and supports schools in responding to the Climate Emergency. It was intended to summarise delivery and outcomes from 2025 and outline key opportunities for 2026. The report highlighted the significant number of schools in Waltham Forest and the council's commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030. It detailed the work of The Hive (formerly Suntrap Forest Centre) in environmental education, including curriculum-linked activities, outreach sessions, and specific projects like Queer Ecology for Teens and food waste engagement.

The report also covered transport initiatives, such as the Travel for Life programme, which encourages sustainable travel to school, and the annual Mini and Teen Tour de Waltham Forest events. Furthermore, it addressed building and facilities management, including an Energy Empowered Schools project, improvements to school buildings for energy efficiency, and the installation of solar PV panels. Communications strategies, including newsletters and the Schools and Colleges Climate Charter, were also to be discussed. Upcoming opportunities included a permanent forest school at Langthorne Park and a Wildways project along the River Ching.

The Scrutiny Report

The committee was scheduled to review The Scrutiny Report, which included the Forward Plan for the municipal year and the Recommendations Tracker. The Forward Plan outlines the committee's work programme, including statutory reports, major decisions, and policy areas of interest. The report reminded members of the scrutiny prioritisation tool (PAST PER) to guide the selection of future agenda items. The Recommendations Tracker captures conclusions on how services could change or improve, with an indication of whether recommendations were accepted or not. The report also listed key decisions falling under the committee's remit, such as the Electric Vehicle Charging Point Strategy 2026-2030.