The Natural Environment Board was scheduled to discuss its constitution and membership, review progress on the Youth Natural Environment Board, and receive updates on statutory biodiversity reporting and risk management. The meeting also included scheduled discussions on open spaces, City Gardens, and the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Constitution and Membership

The Board was scheduled to receive information regarding the Order of the Court of Common Council dated 23 April 2026, which would outline the committee's appointments. The agenda also included the election of a Chair and Deputy Chair for the Board, as well as the appointment of a representative to the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee. A report from the Town Clerk was scheduled for discussion regarding the reappointment of Tony Leach as a non-voting external representative to the Natural Environment Board for a further three-year term.

Youth Natural Environment Board - Progress Update

A progress update was scheduled to be received from Simon Lightman, Co-founder of the Youth Natural Environment Board.

Statutory Biodiversity Report

The Board was scheduled to receive a report from the Executive Director, Environment, concerning the Statutory Biodiversity Report. This report details the City Corporation's compliance with its biodiversity duties, as required by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, as amended by the Environment Act 2021. The report outlines actions taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity, including achievements such as the enhancement or creation of over 17,800m² of open space and the planting of 193 trees. It also addresses Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) obligations and the City Corporation's role as trustee for eight Natural Environment Charities.

Risk Management Update

A report from the Executive Director, Environment, was scheduled to provide assurance that risk management procedures within the Environment Department are satisfactory and meet the requirements of the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011. The report includes summaries of the Natural Environment Cross-Divisional Risk Register and the City Gardens Risk Register, detailing identified risks and actions being taken to manage them. Key risks highlighted included the decline in the condition of assets, impacts of anti-social behaviour, budget pressures, and readiness for the Natural Environment Charities Review.

City Gardens Update

Officers from the Environment Department were scheduled to provide a verbal update on City Gardens.

Biodiversity Action Plan Annual Update

The Board was scheduled to receive an annual progress report on the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which was launched in 2021 and runs until the end of 2026. The report outlines priorities for biodiversity within the Square Mile, including target species and habitats, and details progress across four key action plans: Open Spaces and Habitat Management, The Built Environment, Education and Community Engagement, and Data Collection, Surveys and Monitoring. The report notes that the BAP is approximately 75% complete, with six actions fully completed. Challenges related to funding are acknowledged, and priorities for the remaining year include completing a review of Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), developing a recording strategy, and collating BAP documents. The report also mentions the forthcoming replacement of the BAP with a Local Nature Recovery Action Plan.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The Board was scheduled to agree the public minutes and non-public summaries of its previous meetings held on 11 December 2025 and 29 January 2026.

Other Business

The agenda also included provisions for members to ask questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee and for any other urgent business to be considered. Part 2 of the agenda, which was to be held in private, included the exclusion of the public for the discussion of non-public minutes and any other urgent business.