Issue details

Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2029 – Consultation Approval

 

 

To seek approval of the draft Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2024-2029 as the basis for a 4-week public consultation.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 05/03/2024

Decision due: 23 Apr 2024 by Executive

Lead member: Executive Member for Culture, Delivery and Public Protection

Lead director: Executive Director: Place, Planning & Regeneration

Contact: Rosie Lear, Biodiversity Officer Email: rosie.lear@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

Consultation process

The draft plan has been co-produced with key internal and external stakeholders. The Biodiversity Officer has liaised with key stakeholders via workshops and one-to-one discussions to gather feedback on the previous BAP and ideas for the BAP 2024-2029. These have been used to develop the draft document.

The proposal is for the draft document to go to full 4-week public consultation to gather wider views and use this feedback to develop the plan further.

The consultation will be mainly based online. The draft BAP and a summary document will be available with a series of questions to gather feedback on the proposed objectives and targets and regarding the supporting information. Hard copies will be made available at key locations such as Time Square and libraries.

Communications are being planned to promote the consultation. This will include online communications, such as social media posts, and opportunities will be taken to promote the consultation to users of parks and greenspaces via notice boards. The Bracknell Forest Nature Partnership and other partners involved with the development of the draft will be sent the consultation directly via email. The Ranger team and Councillors will be provided with an information pack so that they can promote the consultation and answer questions while out on sites or working in the community.

Consultees

Consultees involved with the co-production of the draft:
Workshop attendees: Crowthorne Village Action Group, Binfield Environment Group, Binfield Parish Council, Warfield Environment Group, Easthampstead Living Churchyard Group, Bracknell Forest Natural History Society, Priestwood Environment Group, Crowthorne Parish Council, Bracknell Forest Council - Ranger Service, Bracknell Conservation Volunteers, Wildlife in Ascot, Sandhurst Town Council, Involve, Moor Green Lakes, Crown Estate, Thames21 (Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment Partnership host), TVERC, Bracknell Forest Council – Climate Change Officer, Natural England
Feedback received outside of workshop from: Warfield Environment Group, Environment Agency, Hedge and Woodland Conservationists, Natural England (Thames Basin Heath Partnership)
Internal feedback on initial draft received from: Rangers, Climate Change Officers, Planning Policy, Tree Officers

Proposed public consultation:
The 4-week consultation on the draft plan is aimed at the general public.

Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: Place, Planning & Regeneration.

Financial Impact: There will be no direct financial implications as the BAP is a strategy for guiding work for biodiversity across the borough.

Decisions

Agenda items