Suffolk County Council pledges to plant more trees and cut chemical use in local green spaces
Its part of a plan to boost biodiversity in the county
Suffolk County Council has pledged to enhance biodiversity measures across its land by at least 30% in the next eight years, including increased tree planting and cutting herbicide use.
A cross-party task force at the authority has come up with a host of measures which the council’s cabinet agreed to unanimously on Tuesday afternoon.
It includes a commitment to cease using glyphosate for routine weed treatment by 2023, trialling less harmful de-icing materials, planting new street trees where possible – particularly around air quality problem spots, and establishing roadside hedges to provide wildlife corridors.
Councillor Richard Rout, deputy leader and Conservative cabinet member for finance and environment, said: “Biodiversity is in decline nationally, and across the globe. These plans are not just about stopping its decline here in Suffolk, but reversing it.
“By 2030 we want to see much more biodiversity on our estate than there is now.
“The council can have great influence on the natural environment, as we are a significant landowner, we are the highway authority and we build new housing.
“We will ensure we manage our highway verges for biodiversity wherever we can; we will support our county farm tenants to enhance biodiversity across our farm estate; we will deliver twice the biodiversity net gain required through our housing programme.
“By working with our partners and local communities, we can help wildlife to thrive, increase habitats and species across the county, and reverse the decline we’ve seen.”
The plan incorporates all areas of the council’s land and assets, including highways and county farms.
The authority said it is on course to plant 100,000 trees this year following the same amount last year.
Ben McFarland, head of conservation at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: “To tackle the twin crises of the climate and biodiversity emergencies it’s essential that nature is embedded into our collective decision-making. This bold, ambitious plan from Suffolk County Council does just that.
“We need at least 30% of our land and sea in recovery for nature by 2030. Showing leadership, working collaboratively, and acting on carbon and nature together will underpin a healthy and thriving Suffolk for everyone. This is a hugely positive step forward for our county.”
The biodiversity measures have been welcomed by the opposition Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent group, but raised concerns that the recommendations are being funded only from next year’s budget.
Group leader Andrew Stringer said: “While we are delighted that the council is taking steps to understand the importance of enhancing Suffolk’s biodiversity, it is a shame these recommendations could not be a part of this year’s budget.
“Waiting another year only reduces the time we have to fulfil our ambitions. We have a 2030 objective, and these projects won’t be able to kickstart until 2024.”