Decision details

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the adoption of the Greening and Biodiversity Strategy, and has noted that the subsequent action plan to deliver the strategy will be brought to the Cabinet Member for approval.

Reasons for Decision

In recognition of the considerable biodiversity loss experienced globally, and as part of the council’s efforts to deliver a Fairer Environment, the council declared an Ecological Emergency in September 2023. It committed to making parks, housing estates and open spaces more hospitable to wildlife and working with local schools, businesses, community groups and supply chains to protect and enhance habitats across the city.

One year on from the declaration, the Greening and Biodiversity Strategy sets out the council’s strategic response to the Ecological Emergency declaration. It is underpinned by a Green Infrastructure Audit of the city and analysis of resident access to local green space through our Environmental Justice Measure tool. It seeks to harness and build on the work of all our services, networks, and levers to better balance local resource use with protecting and enhancing the valuable support services our green spaces provide for our wildlife and society.