Agenda item

The StreetScene Operations Manager presented the report which set out the approach, objectives for and reasoning behind targeted wildlife improvement areas.  The report covered the management of designated wildlife improvement areas, legislation, policies and strategies that apply to the development and designation of wildlife improvement areas, management systems, stakeholders consultations, communication with residents and similar work by other local authorities.

The StreetScene Operations Manager highlighted the following points from the report:

·        Not all green spaces in East Devon are managed by the StreetScene team as some are managed by other bodies such as DCC, town and parish councils or EDDC’s Countryside / Wild East Devon team.

·        The way green spaces are managed is crucial particularly in light of the loss of wildlife and bio-diversity across Devon.

·        Management of wildlife improvement areas is a key priority in the Council Plan for creating a Greener East Devon and aligns with the priorities set out in the Council’s Climate Change Strategy, Action Plan and the legislated Nature Recovery Plan.

·        As wildlife improvement areas are all public realm, StreetScene recognises the need for on-going communication with residents regarding how the areas are created and managed. The team will be working on a communications campaign to educate residents with the help of councillors and local town and parish councils.

·        All wildlife improvement areas are now mapped and can be viewed on the Council’s website.

·        Recommendation 6 of the report [page 12] is key to supporting good communication with residents moving forwards.

The Chair thanked Officers for their comprehensive and informative report.

Responses to questions from Members and discussion included the following points:

·        Areas such as tree copses are considered vital for the sustainability of small mammals.  The recent planting of the Exmouth Tiny Forest provides an example of newly planted trees and will be monitored over the next decade to assess the benefits to bio-diversity. 

·        As StreetScene does not have an Ecologist within the team, it is important that the team works with local groups, such as the Exmouth Wildlife Group, which provide vital support to StreetScene’s work.

·        Concern was expressed regarding mowing in Brixington Park, Exmouth which could be detrimental to small mammals.  The StreetScene Operations Manager and the Horticultural Technical Officer agreed to give this point further consideration.

·        There was discussion regarding the up-keep of closed cemeteries such as Beer Cemetery and concern was expressed that the area around graves should be kept well maintained out of respect for the deceased.  The Horticultural Technical Officer advised that improvements were being made to the management of the western section of Beer Cemetery which is not a wildlife improvement area.

·        There was concern that there is not always a clear distinction between formal maintained areas and areas designated for wildlife improvement.  It was noted that this should be monitored closely to ensure that maintained areas are clearly kept in good condition and that any wildlife areas are mown along the edges ie. by the side of pavements etc. so that the areas are clearly defined.

·        With regard to the use of yellow rattle to suppress grasses and increase biodiversity, it was noted that it can take several years to see any improvement.  Use of the cut and collect mowers to scarify the ground will support the growth of yellow rattle. 

·        The Portfolio Holder Coast, Country and Environment outlined the process by which EDDC takes on the management of closed cemeteries and the challenge of striking the right balance between respectful maintenance and enabling re-wilding.

·        With regard to a query about Winters Lane at Ottery St Mary, it was noted that this site will be re-assessed in the next few months and consultation will be undertaken with a view to under-canopy planting such as hazel and buckthorn. 

·        Concern was expressed regarding basic maintenance of public open spaces in Seaton and good, timely maintenance could assist with public perception and support for wildlife improvement areas.  It was noted that glyphosate had been banned on EDDC land since 2022, and this, together with mild winters and wetter springs has led to greater challenges with the maintenance of public open spaces.

·        The Council has a definite role to play in leading and inspiring residents to follow the aims of wildlife improvement, however, the messaging needs to correctly identify and explain what is re-wilding or improving areas for wildlife.

·        Real progress will be made when residents follow EDDC’s example of improving areas for wildlife.

·        Greater involvement of community groups, town and parish councils and schools would assist with encouraging residents’ involvement, communications and managing resident’s expectations.

·        It was noted that the environment, sensitivities and residents’ expectations are different in every area and that this would be an ongoing evolving project.  A holistic approach to on-going communications is needed.

It was noted that the Horticultural Technical Officer would be happy to provide workshops for new Councillors to increase awareness as part of the induction process.  It was agreed that Officers would consider the use of clear and easily recognisable signage to indicate wildlife improvement areas.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO CABINET

The Scrutiny Committee recommends that Cabinet:

1.     Reviews the reasons that the Managing Sites for Wildlife approach was adopted and how this came about.

2.     Endorses the approaches and amended process of wildlife improvement practices, and notes the wider Nature Recovery Work being led by Countryside.

3.     Approves wider communication to Councillors regarding this approach, with a feature in the Councillor update and reconsiders communication with residents, towns and parishes to increase positive interaction.

4.     Provides any further recommendations for supporting the important strategy of transitioning traditionally maintained green spaces to wildlife improvement areas within climatic (eg. mild winters and wet springs) and budgeting constraints.

5.     Agrees that Councillors increase their awareness of the reasoning and history of this approach and how it relates to central and local government legislative and policy frameworks.

6.     Agrees that Councillors help disseminate this message to residents / voters in order to bridge the gap between Council strategy and residents’ expectations of wildlife improvement areas and the continual transition of EDDC-owned green spaces from traditionally mown grass areas to wildlife havens.  This will help StreetScene continue to align its targeted work with the legislative framework and Council-wide agendas, policies, strategies and action plans.

7.     Endorses that the Council continues to work with voluntary and community groups across the District.

8.     Supports that the Wildlife Improvement Strategy is brought back to the Scrutiny Committee on an annual basis.

The Chair thanked Officers for attending the meeting.