Formation of Biodiversity Working Group
Under the 2021 Environment Act, public authorities (including town and parish councils) who operate in England must consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity in England. Government guidance published on 17th May 2023 clarifies that, as a public authority, town and parish councils must:
- Consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
- Agree policies and specific objectives based on their consideration.
- Act to deliver their policies and achieve their objectives.
Town and parish councils, unlike other authorities, are not obliged to publish a report on their actions, but the Government guidance requires all public authorities to complete their first consideration of what action to take for biodiversity by 1 January 2024. They must agree their policies and objectives as soon as possible after this and may reconsider the selected actions within 5 years of completing their previous consideration, or more frequently if they choose.
Claxton Parish Council has fulfilled its first obligation by having this as an agenda item at the last PC meeting and agreeing first steps.
Biodiversity Working Group
The working group consists of:
Cllr Sue Wallis-Garcia – Claxton Parish Council representative
Paul Carter – Claxton resident, Pits Trust trustee
Kevin Parker – Pits Trust trustee
The working group would like to invite other group members when a need is identified.
Operating procedures
- The group will report all its findings to Claxton Parish Council
- The group will offer recommendations to Claxton Parish Council
As the biodiversity policy is mandatory Claxton Parish Council has overall responsibility on decisions made and these decisions would be final.
The working group does not have to adhere to some of the Parish Council’s rules and regulations i.e. publishing agendas, holding public meetings, taking minutes; it can meet as and when it sees fit.
Terms of reference
The Biodiversity working group will agree clear aims and objectives and develop a Biodiversity Policy for at least the next five years.
This will include (but is not limited to):
- a biodiversity audit of Claxton Parish
- an action plan to increase biodiversity within the parish
- raising awareness and understanding of the contributions that parishioners can make to improve biodiversity and encouraging a community spirit
- working with other stakeholders including significant landowners/farmers to encourage them to contribute to the process
The working group will:
- liaise with Claxton Parish Council to seek funding/grants to undertake any planned work such as the purchase of hedging, wild flower seeds, nest boxes, bat boxes etc
- draw on expert knowledge where appropriate, foster links with local wildlife groups and engage with councillors from other local parishes
- update Claxton Parish Council regularly and welcome any comments and suggestions
- report its findings and recommendations as soon as possible during 2024
If the Biodiversity Policy is approved by Claxton Parish Council, the working group will lead on putting the action plan into effect.
The terms of reference will be kept under review to ensure they remain relevant, for example, if there are changes in government policy.
REPORTS
