Issue - meetings

Councillor S. McKenna will move and Councillor J. Essex will second the attached Motion concerning Wildlife Friendly Public Spaces.

Councillor S. McKenna moved and Councillor J. Essex seconded a Motion, concerning Wildlife Friendly Public Spaces.

The Council was informed that in the opinion of the Mayor the Motion, set out at item 9 on the agenda, was convenient and conducive to the conduct of the business. It was also noted that:

-       The Motion would be dealt with in accordance with a procedure note that had been prepared and circulated to all Members (prior to the meeting) in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.17.3.

-       On conclusion of the discussion the Motion would be referred to the Executive for consideration. 

A range of issues were highlighted, including a Motion that was considered by Surrey County Council in July 2019 concerning the management of verges for the benefit of wildlife. This included options for the production of a Pollinator Action Plan, as well as a range of other measures such as reducing the use of glyphosate weed killer and less frequent verge cutting to allow seeding to occur. During the discussion various matters were considered, including:

-       The importance of biodiversity.

-       Work that had already been undertaken by Officers to explore options for wildlife friendly public spaces, and the resources required to fund any additional works.

-       Actions that had already been implemented. For example, the cut and collect regimes on Wray Common and Petridge Wood Common.   

-       Action being taken by other local authorities, including Lewes District Council. 

-       Information from the Plantlife Good Verge Management Guide.

-       The importance of resident engagement and the need for different options for rural and suburban areas. For example, in relation to the schedule for grass cutting on roadside verges.

-       Options for wild seeding verges which would not affect sight lines or neighbouring properties.

-       The Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy which incorporated the role of pollinators. 

-       Options for using a more environmentally friendly alternative to glyphosate, although it was highlighted that any alternative would require an increase in the spraying schedule and therefore increase cost.

-       Concerns about the use of guerrilla seed bombing techniques. 

There was support for planting more verge trees, where appropriate, across the borough while various issues were raised in relation to Reigate Heath. 

RESOLVED that it be noted that the Motion on Wildlife Friendly Public Spaces, set out at item 9 on the agenda, be referred to the Executive for consideration.