A boost for biodiversity plans in Surrey Heath will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the council Executive.
The Biodiversity Duty requires public authorities in England to take steps for conserving and enhancing biodiversity in England, and to report on action taken.
The council’s ‘first consideration’ report has been prepared to fulfil this duty. The Executive is recommended to publish the report and implement the associated action plan.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Built Environment and Regulation, Cllr Alan Ashbery, said: “Surrey Heath has significant areas for biodiversity, with a rich variety of habitats that support rare species and unique ecological communities.
“Of particular importance are the borough’s heathlands, which are home to three rare bird species, as well as native reptiles and invertebrates such as the silver-studded blue butterfly. The borough also has woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and urban green spaces which contribute to biodiversity and health and wellbeing.
“The council already has significant work in place to protect and improve biodiversity in the borough. Reporting on the ways we are taking action to conserve and enhance biodiversity, and outlining our future plans in this area, will benefit both the environment and communities across Surrey Heath. Restoring natural habitats in rural and urban areas will also help build the borough’s resilience to climate change.”
The report sets out the council’s main service areas linked to biodiversity, details of the council’s current biodiversity work, and possible future work. It also it sets out relevant biodiversity policies, a series of objectives and an action plan for 2025/26.
The council is also a supporting authority for the production of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Surrey. The LNRS will set out the priorities and measures for reversing nature loss in the county. Surrey County Council is leading the strategy and will consult the council on a draft later in 2025.
Across Surrey, halting and reversing past trends in biodiversity losses and providing a healthy environment for people requires local authorities along with other public sector organisations, landowners, developers, residents and businesses to work together on conserving and restoring our important habitats, creating a more resilient natural environment.
In Surrey Heath, the prime focus is likely to include reconnecting the heathlands and restoring natural habitats in river corridors, along with actions for other habitats including woodlands, grasslands and urban wildlife corridors. Alongside this, species which are of conservation concern will also be identified as priorities for action.
The Executive will be recommended that the council respond to the anticipated consultation from Surrey County Council on the draft LNRS to share feedback on the strategy, and represent the interests of the borough’s residents and environment.