Action plan to further benefit biodiversity is given go-ahead

Updated: 18 March 2022

An action plan which will benefit the biodiversity of the district has received the green light from councillors this week.

An action plan which will benefit the biodiversity of the district has received the green light from councillors this week.

The five year plan has been approved by both Three Rivers District Council’s Policy & Resources and its Leisure, Environment and Community committees. The approval of both committees is a major step forward for the council’s climate change objectives and implementation will begin from April.

The committees voted to approve an independently produced Biodiversity Opportunities Audit, commissioned from Countryside Management Service, of which the five year action plan detailed a range of biodiversity improvements, including changes to the way grasslands are managed, new tree planting, spring wildflower planting, hedgerow restoration and wetland creation.

Currently the council keeps 62% of available grassland as long grass for biodiversity benefits. This moves to 77% following the changes outlined, with a 15% reduction in grassland kept as general amenity.

The decisions have been welcomed by the council Leader, Cllr Sarah Nelmes. She said: “These plans can make a real difference to the biodiversity of our local environment – they introduce a range of techniques to support and enhance the vital ecosystems, which are essential to the natural world on our doorstep.

“The decision to go ahead with this action plan supports the aims of our Climate Change Emergency and Sustainability Strategy.”

The council has agreed to carry out public consultation during the implementation of the Audit to assess its impact rather than delay implementation when the normal cutting season starts in April.