Notice of question to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, Thursday 11^th March 2021to the Council’s Monitoring Officer (committeeservices@wirral.gov.uk) and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 10.

One question had been received, for the Chair.

Question from Sue Noyce - Although it would be reassuring to know that environmental concerns are instrumental in shaping every aspect of every policy decision taken in Wirral it is clear this is not yet the case. While issues such as cutting green spaces only to encourage wild flower regeneration and not to make places 'tidy', tree regeneration rather than planting, no 'pruning' of bushes with chainsaws, consulting with local conservation groups and explaining these decisions to the public are all important. Local conservation experts consider the spread of rhododendron to be the most pressing issue facing Wirral habitats currently. Could you please advise us of what measures, if any, the council is already taking to check the spread of this invasive species and what actions may be under consideration to take place in the near future?

Response from Councillor Liz Grey - I want to clarify a few points that you made, we are engaged in significant rewilding of green spaces, our tree strategy makes very clear of plans to use natural regeneration, not just tree planting in our pledge to double tree cover by 2030. I agree that consultation and engagement is important. I ask that officers liaise with councillors and residents over our rewilding and regeneration projects in all areas that are not sensitive or are non-protected sites. I agree that rhododendron spread is a problem in some areas.

Our Wirral Parks and Countryside Officers work with many Friends of Parks groups, volunteer groups and other stakeholders. They also work with and take advice from Natural England who undertake condition assessments of the nationally protected sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and Wirral Wildlife (Cheshire Wildlife Local Group) who undertake ecological surveys and advise the local authority on the condition of the locally designated Local Wildlife Sites.

Using this information, plans are produced to assist and inform of individual park management policies and may make specific reference to Rhododendron. In the Grange Hill Management Plan for example the following is noted: Rhododendron occurs in places and should be controlled to prevent further encroachment. Where conditions are suitable, Rhododendron can out-compete most native plants. It can grow to many times the height of a person, allowing very little light to penetrate through its thick leaf canopy. This can eliminate other native plants which are unable to grow due to insufficient light. This in turn can lead to the loss of associated native animals.

Some sites have specific conservation objectives which may be part of a Countryside Stewardship Agreement with Natural England. At Brotherton Park and Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve the 5-year Conservation Management Plan included the following: Rhododendron management began in 2012, it has been cut and left to grow as small bushes while other species move in. This is to maintain the stability of the escarpment before the rhododendron is stump treated or removed. At Eastham Country Park Rhododendron is mentioned where it occurs within the old Victorian Pleasure Gardens: However certain species, namely laurel and rhododendron, are able to spread fast and often outcompete much of the native flora so the ranger alongside volunteers regularly cuts back and removes these species to prevent spreading to the rest of the woodland.

The above are references to some work that takes place within Wirral’s parks regarding Rhododendron. It’s important to note that Rhododendron species are not listed as an invasive non-native species of special concern by the Government and therefore in places (such as the old Victorian Pleasure Gardens at Eastham) it is managed as an ornamental plant. If Rhododendron is identified as a specific problem on a site we would include it in the site management/action plan and if people have concerns about Rhododendrons growing at a specific site we would, of course, be happy to survey the area and action as appropriate.

The last 12 months have required Government to reassess grants and other financial support for conservation projects. Where possible though we will continue to look at Countryside Stewardship and other grants to assist with control of Rhododendron on our nationally protected sites and continue to manage our Local Wildlife Sites, parks and countryside areas with the valued support from our Friends groups and other volunteers.