Agenda item

This report will follow in a supplementary papers pack after it has been published for the meeting of Executive Committee (due for publication on Monday 5 January).

The Climate Change Manager presented the Council’s Biodiversity Duty Report, required under the Environment Act 2021. The report covered activities up to 1^st January 2026 and was due for publication by the 26^th March 2026.

The Biodiversity Duty Report included ten sections which included policies, objectives and actions, how other strategies were considered, future actions, Biodiversity Net Gain information, Information about the Authority, Top Achievements, How Policies and Actions Have Helped, Awareness and Education, Monitoring and Evaluation and Highlights and Challenges. The report also outlined measures to enhance biodiversity, such as leaving areas of grass uncut, wildflower planting and public engagement in species monitoring. 

Members noted that there was a legislative requirement for the next Biodiversity Duty Report to be produced in five years, regardless of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) outcomes. It was further noted that some actions might require capital investment and that funding opportunities and grants would be explored. Biodiversity actions were linked to climate change resilience and carbon sequestration and monitoring would form part of the forthcoming Climate Change Strategy for the Council.

Following the presentation, comments and discussion by Members was as follows:

• It was queried if more specific data would be included in the Council’s Climate Change Strategy. In response the Officers explained that following the Biodiversity First Consideration Report publication, efforts would be concentrated on the monitoring of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) to demonstrate the location and species of trees planted and work would also be undertaken to improve greater ranges of species within the Borough. BNG would also be monitored through Local Plan policies and development management.

• Concerns were raised about the lack of detail in the report, in particular as to citizen science public engagement, in relation to specific details of the species of trees which would be planted, and if the Council should be actively seeking to support the progression of the work. Members were advised that collaborative partnership working would help to improve future data recording. Details of Redditch Borough Council’s (RBC) commitments to managing tree health and biodiversity resilience progression would be incorporated in the Council’s Tree Management Policy, with it being noted that works would develop over the five-year period. Outcomes of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) would also be a contributing factor affecting future proposals.
• Members queried the use of the word “pesticide” within the report and expressed that view that it might be misleading and suggested changing the wording to “herbicides”. Officers agreed to review this and would also respond to the Members to confirm current practices in use by the Council.
• A Member highlighted the success of community-led biodiversity projects and suggested replicating this model across other parks which was agreed would be reviewed for future reporting.
• Members requested feedback on the criteria for achieving Green Flag status and suggested promoting community involvement to improve other parks within the Borough.  It was agreed that this would be reviewed by the Parks Team and details would be reported back to the Committee.
• Members sought clarity on the tree replacement strategy following the ash dieback risk. In response the Executive Director explained that a 2:1 replacement ratio would be implemented to replace the trees.  However, an update and further details from the Parks Team would also be requested for Members.

The recommendations of the report were endorsed by the Committee as printed.

RECOMMENDED that

1)    The findings of the Biodiversity Duty First Consideration Report be noted.

2)    Members agree to publish the full Biodiversity Duty First Consideration Report to the Council’s website.