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The Assistant Director of Parks and Environment introduced the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services to the Committee. The report explained that the Biodiversity & Net Gain Strategy had been developed as a proactive response to the growing environmental challenges, emphasising the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity within Wirral and its neighbouring regions. The strategy outlined a set of priorities and objectives aimed at protecting and enhancing biodiversity, ensuring its long-term survival, and fostering wider environmental benefits. It encouraged the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, and wildlife organisations, in achieving the outlined objectives.

Members thanked officers for the report and extended thanks to community and voluntary groups who work with officers on Biodiveristy. Queries were raised about the biodiversity action plan, management plans and enforcement action as well as monitoring of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Members queried and were informed of the biodiversity working group which will work on the action plan as well as work being undertaken on SSSIs. Also queried was the reach of the consultation with Members noting that many people were contacted as part of the consultation but chose not to respond. Members considered the possibility of developers degrading possible sites and were informed that any available data is used to investigate this. Members asked for clarification on SSRI site status to come back to committee and asked that Elected Members be part of the working group. Also requested was a tab of the Members Portal for re-wilding requests.

Resolved – That the Biodiversity & Net Gain Strategy be approved.