Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update on the Council's Statutory Duty towards Bio Diversity and Nature from the Director of Place and Economy.

Cabinet received, and NOTED a verbal update on the Council Statutory Duty towards Bio Diversity and Nature.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change made particular reference to the following:

·         First consideration went to Cabinet in January.

·         The Council Statutory duty towards Bio diversity and Nature has been presented to the Policy Development Groups (PDGs) and Planning Policy Development Group for everyone to beware.

·         The planting of trees, working on wildlife and green spaces, river and seas motion to Scrutiny, water quality and nature.

·         Great ideas from the State of District debate and this would feed into the consideration of performance towards Biodiversity.

·         For all members to bring forward their ideas.

The Climate and Sustainability Specialist made particular reference to the following:

·         The engagement through the PDGs and thanked Members for the feedback.

·         The Government had asked for an action plan every five years to report back.

·         The action plan would be created following the feedback from the PDGs for example promoting the good things that are already happening and sustainable farming and local food systems.

·         Engagement with tenants regarding this issue needed to continue and be progressed. Other ideas included awareness training and improving access to the green areas when developing housing estates.

·         The planting of community orchards and how this had already been a success.

Discussions took place regarding:

·         The idea of planting a tree for each baby born in Mid Devon, including stillborn babies as there was a similar scheme in Somerset.