The Climate and Ecological Emergencies Advisory Committee of South Oxfordshire Council discussed several key topics, including the Reconnecting Bernwood, Otmoor and the Ray project, leisure centre decarbonisation, retrofitting activities, and updates from the Climate and Biodiversity Team. The committee resolved to advise the Cabinet to support BBOWT projects and noted progress reports on various initiatives.

Reconnecting Bernwood, Otmoor and the Ray Project

Alison Offord from the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) presented the Reconnecting Bernwood, Otmoor and the Ray project. The initiative aims to create better conditions for wildlife across large landscapes, focusing on areas such as Wheatley, Beckley, and Stanton St. John. The project responds to pressures from agricultural intensification and infrastructure developments like HS2, aiming to enhance biodiversity and habitat connectivity.

The project has six main areas of action:

1. Setting up a farmer cluster to coordinate nature recovery.
2. Enhancing the River Ray and its habitats.
3. Increasing green infrastructure connectivity from Oxford to the Upper Ray.
4. Reconnecting woodlands and improving habitat mosaics.
5. Improving key linear habitats such as hedgerows and verges.
6. Enhancing nature connection pathways for diverse communities.

The committee expressed strong support for the project, and the chair suggested that the District Council should explore ways to support these initiatives. The committee resolved to advise the Cabinet to support BBOWT projects.

Progress Report on Leisure Centre Decarbonisation

Ben Whaymand, the Leisure Facilities Team Leader, presented an update on the decarbonisation of leisure centres. Leisure centres account for 46.8% of the council’s emissions, making decarbonisation efforts crucial. Key initiatives include replacing halogen lighting with LED, optimising swimming pool circulation pumps, and installing destratification fans at White Horse Leisure Centre and Didcot Wave.

The council has applied for various grants, including the Salix phase 3 C grant and a specific swimming pool support fund, to further support decarbonisation efforts. The committee noted the report and thanked the officer for his work.

Report on Progress with Retrofit Activities

Jessie Fieth, the Senior Climate Action Officer, provided an update on retrofitting buildings in the district. Homes are the second biggest source of carbon emissions in the district, and the council aims to encourage and facilitate retrofitting. The committee discussed ways to publicise retrofitting efforts and reach underserved communities, such as those in fuel poverty. The committee noted the update report.

Update from the Climate and Biodiversity Team

Dominic Lamb, the Climate and Biodiversity Team Leader, provided updates on several initiatives:

• A climate impact tool to assess the climate impact of council decisions.
• The annual Greenhouse Gas report and progress against climate targets.
• An application for bathing water status in Wallingford, with results expected in March 2024.
• The process for joining UK100, a network of local government leaders committed to climate action.

The team leader also discussed the Environment Act and Climate Action Scorecards, noting that the council achieved 35% against the national average of 29%, ranking 17th out of 153 district councils.

Draft Climate Action Plan Q2 Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Q2 performance report of the Draft Climate Action Plan. A member suggested using letters instead of colours in the RAG column to save on printing costs. The committee also discussed potential future items, including ESG in finance investment and ethical procurement.

Future Agenda Items

The next formal meeting is scheduled for 10 June 2024. Potential items include the Draft Climate and Nature Recovery Action Plan, Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Local Area Energy Planning, green finance, and Berinsfield Community Energy.

For more details, you can refer to the Vale CEAC minutes 11-12-23 and the Agenda frontsheet Monday 10-Jun-2024 18.00 Climate and Ecological Emergencies Advisory Committee.