Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 11, 2026

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet were presented with the Council’s first Stevenage Borough Biodiversity Duty report as required by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (as amended by the Environment Act 2021).   The report provided Members with information on how Biodiversity Net Gain had been monitored within the Borough as well the actions and strategies in place to enhance the environment.  Members recognised that the Council had a long-standing Biodiversity Action Plan, with real commitment to improving the town through changes such as more trees, woodland and different habitats.   A number of comments were made by Members including:   ·         They welcomed the actions taken at neighbourhood and local level with the use of the Climate Change Community Fund (CCCF) allocated to Members; ·         Members were pleased to note that a number of projects had been funded through the CCCF in response to requests from local residents; ·         The ambition to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain sat alongside the work of the ambitions within the Stevenage Local Plan; ·         The commitment to the Biodiversity Duty was essential to ensure the improvements to the local environment and that contributions to the future of the planet would benefit the next generation; ·         The highest count to date had been recorded following the annual butterfly survey carried out by Green Space Volunteers; and ·         Members were pleased to see the introduction of the new micro woods at various locations around the town.   Officers confirmed that the next phase of the Biodiversity reporting would be strengthening ecological networks and improving habitat delivery.   It was RESOLVED that the information within the Biodiversity Duty Report, set out in Appendix A be noted.