Purpose

Key decision approved by Cabinet 5th March
2024 giving delegated authority to the Executive Director to to
proceed with a full bid to the Combined Authority Green Recovery
Fund to enable the delivery of a £1.065 million nature
improvement project’ and if successful to take the decision
to accept the Green Recovery Grant ‘Managing More Greenspace
for Nature, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet member.
15% of Council land currently meets the 'managed for nature’
definition; the target is 30% by 2030. The Parks and Greenspaces
Strategy has identified 830 ha of council land that could be
managed for nature, if achieved this would exceed the target at
31.6%.
Cabinet agreed to the submission of a bid to the Combined
Authority’s Green Recovery Fund. The bid was successful. The
total project cost is £1,065,000, comprising £649,120
grant and £415,880 BCC capital match, agreed by Capital
Investment Board on 21 May 2024.
Key project outcomes (by July 2026)
•185 ha of land being managed for nature, including 60 ha of
grassland managed on a ‘cut and collect’ regime to
develop more species rich spaces.
•Improved quality of river habitats.
•New income streams, including Biodiversity Net Gain and green
skills funding.
•Engaged citizens with their natural environment, including
more volunteering action.
The project will increase BCC ‘managed for nature’ land
from 15% to 18.6%.

Content

To accept a Green Recovery Fund grant,
administered by the West of England Combined Authority, to improve
parks and greenspaces for nature over two years that contributes to
the target of 30% of council land being ‘managed for
nature’ by 2030.