North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2023 - 2027
North Lanarkshire Council · 8 February 2023
Back to Environment and Climate Change Committee — 8 February 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Environment & Climate Change Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref AM/VA/HA/LM Date 08/02/23 North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2023 - 2027 From Andrew McPherson, Chief Officer, Community Operations E-mail mcphersona@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07939 280467 Executive Summary We face twin reinforcing crises – a decline in biodiversity will make the climate crisis worse and a changing climate will increase the rate of biodiversity loss. We all depend on biodiversity and so the biodiversity crisis affects everyone. This report presents Committee with the current context and an update on the North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan. This plan will assist in fulfilling the Council’s commitment to tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. The report sets out the emerging national and international approach to tackling biodiversity loss and considers how conserving and enhancing North Lanarkshire’s local biodiversity can contribute to those wider targets and commitments. Recommendations It is recommended that the Environment & Climate Change committee 1) Recognises the significance of the Local biodiversity action plan to deliver future targets to contribute to tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change and endorses the progress shown so far. 2) Approves the updated North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Enhance participation, capacity, and empowerment across our communities Ambition statement (16) Transform our natural environment to support wellbeing and inward investment and enhance it for current and future generations
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1. Background 1.1 The first North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan was published in 1999. The plan set out actions to conserve and enhance the habitats and species that contribute to the unique character and heritage of North Lanarkshire. Action Plans were written for 17 habitats and species that were identified as being of local importance. The plans have been updated previously in 2004, 2008 and 2015. 1.2 Much positive work has been undertaken since the original North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan was published with highlights including: • Since 2010 the council has planted around 180,000 trees, covering 80 hectares of land. • This year, 3 bogs will have work undertaken to restore them, bringing the total to 7 bogs improved since 2015 with funding of £120,000 from Nature Scot’s Peatland Action Fund. • 20 new ponds have been created within the last 5 years, with 10 of these ponds at Gartcosh Local Nature Reserve. 30 ponds have been maintained for wildlife within this same 5-year period. 1.3 Under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act (2004)1 all public bodies in Scotland are required to further the conservation of biodiversity. The Wildlife and Natural Environment (WANE) Act (2011)2 instructs public bodies in Scotland to report every three years on the actions which they have taken to meet this biodiversity duty. The last Biodiversity duty report was approved at the Environment and Transportation committee on 10 February 2021. 1.4 Since 2015 there have been substantial changes in national policy and legislation and at present there is significant transformation on the horizon through the outcome of the 15th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). More locally, we await the publication of the new Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and subsequent delivery plans. 1.5 This updated plan focuses on what we know and presents updated information on local habitats and species, and it identifies a range of future actions to take forward over the duration of the plan. 2. Report North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2027 2.1 The plan looks to the aspirations as set out in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy3, while providing the local context for delivery on the ground. The plan’s primary objectives are: 1. To maintain and enhance: • The populations and natural ranges of native species and the quality and range of wildlife habitats and ecosystems. • Internationally and nationally important and threatened species, habitats and ecosystems. 1 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2004/6/contents 2 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2011/6/contents/enacted 3 https:/www.gov.scot/policies/biodiversity/
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• Species, habitats, and managed ecosystems that are characteristic of North Lanarkshire or are of local importance. • The biodiversity of natural and semi-natural habitats where this has been diminished over recent decades. 2. To identify priorities for habitat and species conservation and set realistic targets and timescales for these. 3. To work with the development industry to identify opportunities for biodiversity enhancement within development proposals. 4. To increase community awareness of, and involvement in, conserving biodiversity. 2.2 Details of the 7 broad areas for action (with habitat and spaces action plans) can be found in Appendix One. Following approval of this report a fully illustrated version of the plan will be made available on the council website and details circulated to partners and community boards. Biodiversity in an International context 2.3 The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 2021 to 2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration following a proposal for action by over 70 countries from all latitudes. This is the timeline scientists have identified as the last chance to prevent catastrophic climate change and resultant biodiversity loss. 2.4 At COP26 in Glasgow, the Scottish Government joined other nations in endorsing the Leaders Pledge for Nature: to reverse nature loss by 2030. 2.5 On 19 December 2022 at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), COP15 in Montreal the Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted. It includes a 2030 set of targets to act as a stepping stone towards the 2050 Vision of “Living in harmony with nature”. Delegates agreed to protect 30% of Earth’s land and oceans for nature by 2030, this commitment is known as ‘30 by 30’. 2.6 To put this in context, globally, only 15% of land and freshwaters are protected. In Scotland, protected areas cover around 18% of land consisting of designated sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), and Special Protected Areas (SPA). If existing National Parks were included, this increases to 23%. This means we need an increase of 7-12% to reach 30% by 2030. For comparison, 37% of Scotland’s seas are protected.4 Edinburgh Declaration and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework 2.7 North Lanarkshire Council became a signatory to the Edinburgh Declaration on 22nd June 2021 to show support and commitment for a post 2020 global agreement that reflects the key role of local government in delivery, implementation and mainstreaming of biodiversity. 2.8 This declaration sets out the aspirations and commitments of the Scottish Government, Edinburgh Process partners, and the wider subnational constituency of the Convention on Biological Diversity, in delivering for nature over the coming decade. European context 4 30 by 30 explained | NatureScot
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2.9 Scottish Ministers have said they are committed to maintaining or exceeding EU environmental standards and in preparing the new Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, close account will be taken of the EU Biodiversity Strategy (published in 2021). Scotland's Strategic context 2.10 The Environment Strategy5 for Scotland creates the overarching framework for Scotland's strategies and plans on the environment and climate change. Its vision and outcomes describe long-term ambitions for Scotland's environment and Scotland’s role in tackling the global climate and nature crises. The vision states: 'By 2045 - By restoring nature and ending Scotland's contribution to climate change, our country is transformed for the better - helping to secure the wellbeing of our people and planet for generations to come.’ 2.11 The Scottish Government has proposed a new Biodiversity strategy to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and reverse it by 2045. 2.12 The overall aim of the new strategy is: ‘to deliver the transformational change needed to protect and restore terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity in Scotland.’ 2.13 The Strategy is the starting point in a process which will lead into the development of rolling delivery plans and, the introduction of a Natural Environment Bill, and statutory nature restoration targets. Development of the updated North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan - Delivering on Nature-based Solutions 2.14 Nature-based Solutions are defined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as ‘actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits’. 2.15 Since 1999 when the first North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan was produced, the biodiversity partnership has contributed to and taken forward actions of this kind. For example, the considerable work in restoring North Lanarkshire’s peatlands to functioning ecosystems, increasing habitat and sequestering carbon and positively impacting climate change. 2.16 More recently considerable work has also been undertaken in establishing several new meadows in prominent locations throughout North Lanarkshire with significant areas planted in the three country parks. Additionally, existing unmanaged grassland at the Bellshill Gateway cycle facility has been supplemented with seeding and plug plants to enhance the wildflower meadow and wildflower turf and seeding has been used on ground disturbed for the development of the cycle tracks. 2.17 The next stage of this work, following community consultation undertaken in late 2022, is the introduction of biodiversity meadows at several town parks this summer. 5 https://www.gov.scot/publications/environment-strategy-scotland-vision-outcomes/
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2.18 The new biodiversity action plan identifies further nature-based solutions for delivery across North Lanarkshire. Consultation on the draft plan 2.19 Both internal consultees and the wider biodiversity partners were contacted for updates to the plan and consulted on reviewed plans. The consultation was circulated to the public and our communities through community boards and the council website, to all councillors, council staff and via press and social media. A summary can be found below. Internal Response 2.20 The following key areas for improvement were raised: • Improved protection of habitat from developments. • Integration of development and habitat corridors and other biodiversity improvements. • Stronger more collaborative cross service working. 2.21 To help meet these concerns the following commitment has now been included as an objective of the plan: Work with the development industry to identify opportunities for biodiversity enhancement within development proposals. Public Response 2.22 In brief, there was support for: • protection and expansion of the greenbelt. • reducing grass (and hedgerow) cutting and uplifting cuttings, particularly during the summer and autumn months when they are flowering and fruiting. • More environmental education. 2.23 There was concern shown on the loss of greenspaces to development and lack of sufficient recompense when developers damage habitats. Monitoring of future actions 2.24 Individual actions from the Biodiversity Action Plan are distributed over the five years of the plan to enable monitoring. Updates from across council services and partners will allow accurate recording of actions and reporting to Scottish Government. Planning and the Biodiversity Action Plan 2.25 The Scottish Government states that its approach to planning will support their response to the twin global crises of biodiversity loss and climate change by strengthening policies to protect and restore Scotland's biodiversity and natural assets and improving their long-term resilience to the impacts of our changing climate. 2.26 Through work on National Planning Policy Framework 4 (NPF4) new proposals will be developed to deliver positive effects for biodiversity from development. The North Lanarkshire Biodiversity action plan helps inform the Planning process by highlighting key habitats and species alongside key actions that can be taken through the development process. The Community Greenspace team uses the plan and complementary local designations such at Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation and Local Nature Reserves to provide considered recommendations and advice to the
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planning department in their assessments of Planning Applications and strategic planning decisions. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Publication of the 2023- 2027 North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan. 3.2 The delivery of North Lanarkshire’s contribution to national and international targets to halt loss of and restore biodiversity (by 2045). 4. Supporting documentation Appendix 1 – North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2027 (draft) Andrew McPherson Chief Officer (Community Operations)
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5. Impacts ( http://connect/report-template-guidance ) 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality-and-fairer- scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts have been discussed and agreed with Financial Solutions? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts have been discussed and agreed with People and Organisational Development? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts have been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic Solutions? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒
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If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for technology, has an assessment been carried out (or scheduled) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The updated North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan provides positive opportunities to enhance carbon storage through nature-based solutions including peatland restoration & tree planting. 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services.
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Appendix One North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2027 Details of the 7 broad areas for action (with draft habitat and spaces action plans) can be found in here Our local biodiversity | North Lanarkshire Council, along with our most recent Biodiversity Duty Report, covering the period 2018 – 2021.