Agenda item

The Committee received a report which appended a draft strategy for grassland management for pollinators on the Carmarthenshire County Council estate for 2023.  In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability highlighted that this Council had set out its ambition as part of the Cabinet Vision Statement to increase the biodiversity of all Council owned land, and recognise the strong interrelationship between climate change, the loss of biodiversity and human wellbeing.

It was reported that it was a good opportunity to share the draft strategy with the Committee during the early stages of its development.

Committee Members were informed that the draft strategy considered amenity grasslands, land within schools, regeneration portfolio and housing portfolio it did not however include hedges and verges or farmland.

The comments/observations raised were responded to as follows:-

·        A number of comments were raised in recognising the decline in the species and it was applauded the strategy included an increase in wildflowers which in turn would make a difference in increasing bees, butterflies and other species.

·        It was reported that there were sections of grass containing poppies which were cut down during a scheduled grass cut.  When challenged the operator stated that this was being cut as a scheduled instruction.  The Cabinet Member stated that this was an area for continuous improvement.  The Head of Place and Sustainability explained that historically amenity grass was cut for aesthetic reasons, however changes were being made in consideration of the timing of the cuts to provide flowers the benefits of time to encourage seed, fauna to regenerate and the soil and nature to thrive.  Through leadership and direction now is a good opportunity to change for the future.  The Grounds and Cleansing Manager emphasised that that this was not the directive that was being given at this time and that a concerted effort to train staff and raise awareness would be made.

·        Credit was given to all who has been involved in developing the Strategy. 

·        In response to a query regarding working with schools Eco-Committees, the Biodiversity Officer stated that the department often works with schools both on an individual basis, when they contact the department for advice and also with the Schools Action Group.  It was reported that often, it is the pupils at the schools that are pushing for more work to be done in such areas.  In addition, Town and Community Councils have done a significant amount work following successful applications of grant funding.

·        The Biodiversity Officer reported that the Council had invested in a new cut and collect equipment to work towards implementing the strategy.

·        The Head of Place and Sustainability highlighted that the important aspect was the collaborative work and explained the first phase of the strategy was the evidence gathering, policy setting that over the Autumn period the impact, cost and area assessments would be completed.  A robust targeted engagement approach with the communities would also be a priority.

·        It was asked, if there was a plan or scope to include sports clubs and other areas not just ccc owned or managed land?  The Biodiversity Officer reported that the intention of the strategy is that it could be adopted by Town and Community Councils as well as Public Service Board partners.  In respect of Sports clubs and associations, it was reported that the department had successfully worked with one sports association to date and that further work with sports clubs across the County was welcomed. 

·        In response to a query regarding Himalayan Balsam, the Biodiversity officer explained that it was listed the same as Japanese Knotweed – an invasive, non-native species and whilst it does have benefits for pollinators when in flower, it was currently one of the most rigorous spreading invasive species.  Therefore, it is encouraged to pull the species up before it develops the flower to avoid the seed spread which could be deemed as an illegal action by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Draft Strategy for Grassland Management for Pollinators be received.