To recevie an update on Biodiversity Action Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategy from Rosie Street of the Natural Environment Team.

Rosie Street, Nature Recovery Strategy Manager, delivered the update and presentation.

Rosie Street explained that the Nature Recovery Strategy was a comprehensive initiative undertaken in collaboration with all six Berkshire boroughs, with RBWM leading as the responsible authority. It was a proactive response to the observed decline in biodiversity, aligning with recent government strategies aimed at creating a robust nature recovery network across both Berkshire and England as a whole. This initiative acknowledged the limitations of relying solely on nature reserves and emphasised the need for a more expansive, interconnected approach to conservation.

Rosie Street outlined key components of this strategy included the development of a statement outlining biodiversity priorities and the creation of a detailed local habitat map. These outputs would be informed by extensive engagement activities scheduled for the early part of 2024, ensuring that the strategy reflected the diverse perspectives and priorities of stakeholders across the region.

Rosie Street noted that funding for the implementation of this strategy would be sourced from various schemes including biodiversity net gain and land management agreements. The financial mechanisms, coupled with potential revenue from carbon credits, signified a multifaceted approach to securing resources for nature recovery efforts.

It was highlighted that the Nature Recovery Strategy was integrated into the planning systems of the boroughs, thereby ensuring its statutory status and relevance in decision-making processes related to land use and development. This integration underscored the strategy's significance as a guiding framework for future biodiversity conservation efforts in Berkshire.

The strategy also offered a range of opportunities for engagement and involvement from residents, local businesses, landowners, and other stakeholders. A survey was currently available on the website to gather input on preferences and participation preferences.

Rosie Street said that the Nature Recovery Strategy represented a comprehensive and collaborative effort to address biodiversity decline in Berkshire, with a focus on sustainability, engagement, and long-term impact.

Rosie Street then spoke on the biodiversity action plan (BAP) for RBWM, published in 2022, complemented the broader nature recovery strategy with a focus on RBWM-specific quantitative targets and actionable steps. It emphasised engagement efforts to involve diverse stakeholders in nature-related activities, utilising social media, websites, and in-person events. Rosie Street noted a key target was achieving 30% land dedicated to nature conservation, with current progress at 26%, aiming for restoration and land use changes to meet the goal. Various habitat action plans addressed woodland, grassland, waterways, standing water, farmland, and urban areas. Rosie Street noted the Farmland habitat action plan encouraged landowners and farmers to participate in environmental land management schemes, with partnerships like Wild Maidenhead offering conservation volunteering opportunities.

There was discussion regarding public access in the Environmental Land Management (ELMs) scheme, which Rosie Street said she would need to investigate further for specific details. Rosie Street also gave an update that the magic maps system was scheduled for some time next year, possibly in January or February but would confirm exact details.

The Chair raised a question regarding the intention to install informational boards indicating the specific habitat and its inhabitants, for individuals walking through the area. The suggestion was to provide descriptors on these boards, particularly beneficial for younger individuals to identify the flora and fauna in that specific habitat.

Rosie Street noted that while it may not directly align with the nature recovery strategy, similar initiatives had been considered within the national environment team. In recent years, there had been an increase in the installation of signage across various reserves, featuring family-friendly visuals depicting a variety of animals and the plan was to extend this signage to more local wildlife sites and nature reserves. 

7:02pm - Rosie Street left the meeting at this time.