Minutes – Environmental Scrutiny – 30/06/2025

Meeting Name: Environment and Climate Action Committee
Date: 30 June 2025
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Venue: The Square, Ambridge, Borsetshire, B5 0AL
Chair: Mark Banner

Present:
- Mark Banner
- Alan Brown
- Brian Cole

Apologies:
- Charles Roberts

Absent:
- Emma Reynolds

Officers/Advisers:
- Rachel Stevens, Environmental Services Manager
- Peter Lawson, Parks and Open Spaces Officer
- Emily Carter, Climate Resilience Adviser

Members were invited to declare any interests relating to items on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were made.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That no declarations of interest were received.

Action:
No action required.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2025 were reviewed.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Action:
Action 4.1: Democratic Services Officer to publish the approved minutes on the council website.

One resident submitted a written question regarding water usage within parish-owned parks during the current period of dry weather.

The Environmental Services Manager explained that water conservation measures had been implemented, including reduced irrigation schedules and the use of drought-tolerant planting schemes.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the public question and officer response be noted.

Action:
Action 5.1: Environmental Services Manager to publish updated guidance on water conservation measures within council-managed open spaces.

Item 6.1 – Summer Climate Monitoring Update

The Climate Resilience Adviser presented a report summarising temperature trends recorded across the parish during May and June 2025.

Members noted that average temperatures remained above seasonal norms but that existing climate adaptation measures had reduced stress on municipal green spaces.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the climate monitoring report be received and noted.

Action:
Action 6.1: Climate Resilience Adviser to continue monitoring seasonal conditions and provide an updated report in August 2025.

Item 6.2 – Water Conservation Programme Review

The Committee reviewed current water conservation initiatives across municipal parks and public open spaces.

Members welcomed reductions in water consumption achieved through revised irrigation schedules and the increased use of drought-resistant planting.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the current water conservation programme be continued throughout the summer period.

Action:
Action 6.2: Parks and Open Spaces Officer to monitor water usage levels and identify further opportunities for efficiency improvements.

Item 6.3 – No-Mow Wildflower Corridor Evaluation

Members considered a mid-season report on the expanded No-Mow wildflower corridor programme.

The report demonstrated increased pollinator activity, improved habitat connectivity, and positive public feedback from residents.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the expanded No-Mow programme be retained for the remainder of the growing season.

Action:
Action 6.3: Environmental Services Manager to prepare a full biodiversity impact assessment for presentation later in the year.

Item 6.4 – Biodiversity Monitoring Programme Review

The Committee received an update on the parish's summer biodiversity monitoring programme, including surveys of pollinator species, wildflower coverage, and habitat quality.

Members noted encouraging preliminary results and supported continuation of the monitoring programme.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the biodiversity monitoring programme continue as planned.

Action:
Action 6.4: Parks and Open Spaces Officer to submit a comprehensive end-of-season biodiversity report.

Item 6.5 – Village Culvert Maintenance Programme

The Parks and Open Spaces Officer presented a report outlining the condition of village culverts and drainage infrastructure ahead of the autumn rainfall season.

Members agreed that preventative maintenance would reduce flood risks and improve resilience during periods of heavy rainfall.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That an accelerated culvert maintenance schedule be approved for implementation during July and August 2025.

Action:
Action 6.5: Parks and Open Spaces Officer to arrange inspections and maintenance works on all priority culvert locations.

Item 6.6 – Community Tree Planting Initiative

Members reviewed proposed planting locations and strategic boundaries for the forthcoming community tree-planting initiative.

The Committee discussed species selection, long-term maintenance arrangements, and opportunities for volunteer participation.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the proposed planting boundaries and implementation framework be approved.

Action:
Action 6.6: Environmental Services Manager to finalise planting plans and commence community engagement activities.

Item 6.7 – Green Infrastructure Resilience Strategy

The Committee discussed longer-term measures required to ensure parish green infrastructure remains resilient to changing climate conditions.

Members expressed support for integrated approaches combining biodiversity enhancement, water management, and habitat protection.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That officers prepare a draft Green Infrastructure Resilience Strategy for consideration at a future meeting.

Action:
Action 6.7: Climate Resilience Adviser to prepare a draft strategy document for presentation in September 2025.

The Committee reviewed the actions arising from the meeting and agreed the following follow-up activities.

Action 4.1: Democratic Services Officer to publish the approved minutes of the previous meeting on the council website.

Action 5.1: Environmental Services Manager to publish updated guidance regarding water conservation measures within council-managed open spaces.

Action 6.1: Climate Resilience Adviser to continue seasonal monitoring and prepare an updated climate conditions report for August 2025.

Action 6.2: Parks and Open Spaces Officer to monitor water usage across municipal sites and identify further conservation opportunities.

Action 6.3: Environmental Services Manager to prepare a biodiversity impact assessment for the No-Mow wildflower corridor programme.

Action 6.4: Parks and Open Spaces Officer to submit a comprehensive biodiversity monitoring report at the conclusion of the summer survey period.

Action 6.5: Parks and Open Spaces Officer to coordinate inspections and maintenance works on priority culverts before the autumn rainfall season.

Action 6.6: Environmental Services Manager to finalise tree planting plans and commence engagement with community volunteers.

Action 6.7: Climate Resilience Adviser to prepare a draft Green Infrastructure Resilience Strategy for consideration by the Committee.

Members noted all actions and agreed that progress updates would be reported at future meetings.

The next meeting of the Environment and Climate Action Committee will be held on Monday, 28 July 2025 at 10:00 at the The Square, Ambridge, Borsetshire, B5 0AL.
Decision:
RESOLVED: That the date of the next meeting be noted.

Action:
Action 8.1: Democratic Services Officer to circulate the agenda and supporting reports in advance of the meeting.

There being no further business, the Chair thanked members and officers for their attendance and contributions.

The meeting closed at 12:00.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the meeting be formally closed.

Action:
No further action required.