Agenda Document Pack - Climate Change and Sustainability Committee - 29/11/2023
South Lanarkshire Council · 29 November 2023
Back to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee — 29 November 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 21 November 2023 Dear Councillor Climate Change and Sustainability Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 29 November 2023 Time: 10:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Cleland Sneddon Chief Executive Members Mark McGeever (Chair), Kirsten Robb (Depute Chair), Joe Fagan (ex officio), Alex Allison, John Anderson, Ralph Barker, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Margaret Cooper, Colin Dewar, Ross Gowland, Lynsey Hamilton, Mark Horsham, Gavin Keatt, Ross Lambie, Richard Lockhart, Katy Loudon, Julia Marrs, Monique McAdams, Lesley McDonald, Elaine McDougall, Carol Nugent, Mo Razzaq, John Ross, Graham Scott, Bert Thomson, Helen Toner, Margaret B Walker Substitutes Walter Brogan, Robert Brown, Andy Carmichael, Gerry Convery, Poppy Corbett, Andrea Cowan, Allan Falconer, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Elise Frame, Geri Gray, Martin Hose, Richard Nelson, David Watson 1
Page 2
BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held on 20 September 2023 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 3 - 10 Item(s) for Decision 3 Biodiversity Duty Report 2021 to 2023 Report dated 20 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 11 - 52 4 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties - Annual Report 2022/2023 Report dated 10 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 53 - 80 Item(s) for Noting 5 Making Space for Pollinators Report dated 10 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 81 - 116 6 Electric Vehicle Charge Infrastructure Report dated 16 November 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 117 - 124 Urgent Business 7 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Susan Somerville Clerk Telephone: 07557 323097 Clerk Email: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 2
Page 3
CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 20 September 2023 Chair: Councillor Mark McGeever Councillors Present: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Ralph Barker, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Margaret Cooper, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Ross Gowland, Councillor Mark Horsham, Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Ross Lambie, Councillor Richard Lockhart, Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Elaine McDougall, Councillor Carol Nugent, Councillor Mo Razzaq, Councillor Kirsten Robb (Depute), Councillor John Ross, Councillor Graham Scott, Councillor Bert Thomson, Councillor Helen Toner Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Joe Fagan (ex officio), Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, Councillor Monique McAdams, Councillor Margaret B Walker Attending: Community and Enterprise Resources D Booth, Executive Director; K Allan, Sustainable Development Officer; E Berry, Environmental Initiatives Officer; A Brown, Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development; K Carr, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds; H Gourichon, Policy Development Officer (Food Development); K McCafferty, Sustainable Development Officer (Funding); C Park, Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services; C Reid, Grounds Manager Finance and Corporate Resources C Fergusson, Head of Finance (Transactions); J Taylor, Head of Finance (Strategy); K McLeod, Administration Assistant; S Somerville, Administration Manager 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held on 14 June 2023 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Sustainability Impact Assessments of Capital Project Submissions and Revenue Budget Proposals A joint report dated 31 August 2023 by the Executive Directors (Finance and Corporate Resources) and (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the proposed Sustainability Impact Assessment process to be used during future capital and revenue budget processes. 2 3
Page 4
The Council had a statutory duty, under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, to:- reduce carbon emissions from its activities and influence the reduction of carbon emissions in the wider community take action to adapt to the impacts caused by the effects of climate change act sustainably in all areas of service This legislation required the Council to take account of the above points within its decision- making processes. The Council’s capital and revenue budget process was one of those decision-making processes and the proposed sustainability impact assessment process aimed to ensure that the Council continued to take account of factors related to carbon reduction, climate change adaptation and the wider principles of sustainable development within those budget processes. At its meeting on 23 August 2023, the Council agreed that officers provide high level guidance for political groups to complete a sustainability impact assessment of their proposed budgets in the run up to the Council’s budget setting process in February. It was highlighted that, while members were encouraged to complete the assessments for any proposed budget motion, Standing Orders had not been changed, therefore, this was not mandatory. The proposed Sustainability Impact Assessment process, attached as appendices to the report, would allow officers and elected members to complete a more detailed assessment of the sustainability impacts resulting from either budget or project proposals which could aid their decision-making. Following discussion, the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) confirmed that officers would be made available to assist elected members with the process, which would be reviewed and refined in future years, as appropriate. The Committee decided: that the attached Sustainability Impact Assessments be endorsed for use in future capital and revenue budget processes. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council of 23 August 2023 (Paragraph 12)] Councillors Razzaq and Toner joined the meeting during this item of business 4 2023/2024 Action Plan of the Good Food Strategy A report dated 31 August 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the action plan for the fourth year of implementation (2023/2024) of the Council’s Good Food Strategy. The Council’s Good Food Strategy 2020 to 2025 was approved by the Executive Committee at its meeting on 4 December 2019. The Strategy provided a framework for actions to move towards healthier, fairer and more sustainable food systems in the Council area and aimed to ensure that food played a positive role in the lives of South Lanarkshire residents. The action plan for the fourth year of implementation of the Good Food Strategy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, had been developed based on input from a variety of Services across the Council’s Resources. 4
Page 5
The action plan comprised 2 sections, Performance Indicators and Projects, and each section was divided into the following Good Food themes:- Good Food at Home and in the Community Good Food in the Public Sector Good Food Economy Good Food Growing Good Food for the Environment Good Food Governance Measures and actions were reported by outcome as defined in the Good Food Strategy. In addition to the Good Food Strategy, the Council had a statutory obligation to develop a Food Growing Strategy and provide allotments and other food growing opportunities. Given the relationship between the Food Growing Strategy and the Good Food Strategy and the requirement to report within similar timescales, the Good Food Strategy action plan for 2023/2024 incorporated the main Food Growing Strategy actions, allowing progress on food growing to be reported to the Committee. A mid-term review of the Strategy, to assess the broader outcome and overall impacts, was currently underway and would be published towards the end of 2023. Following discussion, officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report and the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) gave an undertaking to look at linkages between this and other strategies, such as tackling poverty, as well as the potential to capture the informal work going on within communities that was not necessarily recorded. The Committee decided: that the Council’s action plan for the fourth year of implementation (2023/2024) of the Good Food Strategy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. [Reference: Minutes of the Executive Committee of 4 December 2019 (Paragraph 9)] Councillor Lambie joined the meeting during this item of business 5 Good Food Strategy Update – Quarter 4 2022/2023 A report dated 1 September 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the Good Food Strategy actions and measures at Quarter 4 of 2022/2023. The Good Food Strategy had been approved by the Executive Committee on 4 December 2019 and covered a 5 year period from 2020 to 2025. It set out outcomes and actions organised around 6 key themes as follows:- good food at home and in the community good food growing good food in the public sector good food for the environment good food economy good food governance 5
Page 6
The Good Food Strategy contained an action plan which set out specific actions to progress the objectives in the Strategy. It contained 22 performance measures towards the Strategy’s outcomes together with 20 improvement actions. The measures were rated using a traffic light system of green, amber or red, while the improvement actions were rated using green, amber or red as well as blue which indicated that an action had been completed. Of the 22 measures within the Strategy:- 11 had been achieved or were on course to be achieved (green) 2 had seen some minor slippage against targets (amber) 1 had seen major slippage against timescale or major shortfall against targets (red) 8 would be reported later when data was available Of the 20 actions within the Strategy:- 4 had been completed (blue) 11 had been achieved or were on course to be achieved (green) 4 had seen some minor slippage against targets (amber) 1 had seen major slippage against timescale or major shortfall against targets (red) 0 would be reported later when data was available Further information on the performance measures and improvement actions categorised as red was provided in the report. Progress on all objectives, actions and measures was detailed in the Quarter 4 performance report for 2022/2023, attached as an appendix to the report. Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 31 August 2022 (Paragraph 9) and Minutes of the Executive Committee of 4 December 2019 (Paragraph 9)] Councillor Thomson left the meeting following this item of business 6 Sustainable Procurement Duty and Climate Sustainability A report dated 31 August 2023 by the Executive Director (Finance and Corporate Resources) was submitted providing an update on the Council’s approach to embedding the Sustainable Procurement Duty in contracts, with specific focus on climate sustainability. The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 required councils to consider how they could improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the authority’s area through the Sustainable Procurement Duty, with a particular focus on reducing inequality and contributing to the sustainable development goals. The Council’s Procurement Strategy 2023 to 2028 had ‘Sustainable and Ethical’, ‘Fair Work’ and ‘Community Wealth Building’ as 3 of the 7 key procurement objectives. The Council’s progress on the Sustainable Procurement Duty was monitored through the Scottish Procurement Sustainable Toolkit and was reported annually. 6
Page 7
The Scottish Government had developed the following online Sustainable Procurement Tools, details of which were provided in Section 4 of the report, to support the implementation and monitoring of the Sustainable Procurement Duty:- flexible framework prioritisation tool sustainability test In March 2023, the Council’s approach to sustainability weighting in contracts had been increased from 20% to 30% of the technical envelope and introduced a specific score for climate sustainability. The sustainability weighting could be varied between Fair Work First, Climate and Community Benefits depending on the works, goods or services being procured. Some case studies, providing context on the approach to sustainable procurement in tenders, were detailed in Section 7 of the report. In responding to a member’s question, the Head of Finance (Transactions) advised that, in relation to the performance levels of the flexible framework, the Council expected to achieve level 3 by the end of the financial year. The Committee decided: that the Council’s approach to embedding the Sustainable Procurement Duty in contracts be noted. 7 Food Procurement Findings of the Market Capacity Assessment and Next Steps A report dated 31 August 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the findings and recommendations from the Market Capacity Assessment on food procurement. The Council aimed to provide suppliers with opportunities to increase the provision of local food and drink as set out in its various strategies. A project review group on Sustainable Food Procurement had been established in 2021 to identify options to progress this objective. In particular, a decision was taken to source funding to undertake research into the food and drink market in South Lanarkshire with a view to identifying actions to increase local spend and overcome potential barriers. Following a successful application to the Council’s Food Strategy Fund for funding to recruit a consultant to undertake Market Capacity Assessment, a contract was awarded to Fare Consulting Limited. A summary of the consultant’s findings was provided at Section 6 of the report, including an overview of:- Council buyers food purchased the local food and drink market and engagement with businesses including current suppliers practices developed by other local authorities in Scotland The key findings were:- supplier engagement had been challenging and the level of interaction with local food and drink businesses was not as high as anticipated, with only 22 businesses responding all 22 businesses identified indicated a desire to engage further with the Council on local procurement 7
Page 8
that further engagement with businesses would be required for a better understanding of their ability to supply food to the Council as the following constraints were identified:- many of the products sold by businesses did not match the demand from Facilities Services but could match the demand of other buyers, such as South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture none of the businesses could fulfil the scale of current requirements for schools accreditations held by businesses were very variable depending on businesses and might not match the requirements of the Council buyers the analysis of practices implemented in local authorities which were further ahead in their journey did not give a fully relevant assessment of opportunities given the different scale on which they operated some of the food currently purchased by the Council came from local suppliers as they supplied Tier 1 contractors there was a national interest towards local food in the public sector The challenges and opportunities were outlined at paragraph 6.6 of the report. An action plan had been developed, as set out at Section 8, and an update on the implementation of this action plan would be provided as part of the Quarter 2 and Quarter 4 updates of the food action plan submitted to this Committee. Officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: that the findings and recommendations from the Market Capacity Assessment on food procurement together with the next steps, as detailed in the action plan, be noted. 8 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Action Plan: Quarter 4 Progress Report 2022/2023 A report dated 31 August 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the status of the actions and measures contained in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS) at Quarter 4 of 2022/2023. At its meeting on 15 June 2022, the Council approved the Council’s SDCCS which covered a 5- year period from 2022 to 2027. Delivery of actions within the Strategy provided the main focus for sustainable development activity over the period and enabled the Council to fulfil its duties under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003, the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The SDCCS Action Plan for 2022/2023 contained 28 performance measures towards the Strategy’s outcomes together with 47 improvement actions. The measures were rated using a traffic light system of green, amber or red, while the improvement actions were rated using green, amber or red as well as blue which indicated that an action had been completed. Of the 28 measures within the SDCCS:- 8 had seen the timescale or target met according to expectations (green) 2 had minor slippage against timescale or minor shortfall against target (amber) 2 had seen major slippage against timescale or major shortfall against target (red) 6 would be reported later when data was available 10 were contextual and provided a health check for South Lanarkshire 8
Page 9
The 2 red measures related to fire tolerable standards and fixed electrical testing, and household waste and recycling issues. The actions to address those improvement actions were detailed in the report. There were also 9 amber improvement measures that had seen minor slippage. Details were provided in Appendix 1 to the report. Progress on all objectives, actions and measures was detailed in the Quarter 4 performance report for 2022/2023, attached as an appendix to the report, with key highlights outlined in paragraph 4.6 of the report. There followed a discussion during which officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) also gave an undertaking to raise issues with colleagues in Housing and Technical Resources in relation to the anticipated timescale for the Council to be in a position to set out its plans to achieve net zero for its buildings by 2038 and whether there were any legal implications in terms of failing to meet the requirement for fixed electrical testing systems. The Committee decided: that the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Action Plan Quarter 4 Progress Report 2022/2023 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council of 15 June 2022 (Paragraph 6)] 9 Litter Strategy - Update A report dated 31 August 2023 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on the work undertaken to date in relation to the Litter Strategy 2022 to 2027. At its meeting on 31 August 2022, the Committee agreed the Council-wide Litter Strategy to cover a 5 year period from 2022 to 2027. The Strategy outlined a clear vision of how the Council would develop plans and initiatives to prevent and address litter, dog fouling and fly tipping. It built on existing initiatives and complemented national campaigns. Over the past year, there had been positive engagement with diverse community groups and individuals. Through the Community Clean Up webform, the Council had supported groups and residents in conducting litter picks and clean-ups. Active engagement with the Climate Change and Sustainability Youth Forum had taken place by attending meetings, providing information, and assisting with initiatives run in schools. The litter bin mapping and inventory undertaken had been invaluable for understanding the current locations and capacities of infrastructure to help inform decisions in terms of requests for new bins. The Litter Bin Map was now publicly available to access. Going forward, litter bins with hoods were being prioritised to prevent litter escape. In 2022, Chewing Gum Task Force grant funding was secured which allowed effective cleaning of gum staining in Hamilton and Strathaven. Year 2 funding of £24,641 has also been secured and this would enable tackling gum issues in other areas. The Scottish Government had introduced the Circular Economy Bill which included specific provisions regarding litter and fly tipping. It introduced a new penalty system for littering from vehicles, powers to seize vehicles involved in specified waste crimes, and strengthened household duty of care responsibilities around household waste to help prevent fly tipping. The Bill was currently at Stage 1 and it was expected to receive Crown Consent at Stage 3. 9
Page 10
The Scottish Government published the National Litter and Fly Tipping Strategy on 28 June 2023. The Strategy set out how national and local governments, businesses, third sector, communities and individuals could collaborate to support behaviour change, improve infrastructure, and strengthen enforcement. The vision encapsulated the following 3 core concepts:- urgent large-scale action was required across Scotland effective action necessitated integrated and co-ordinated efforts to address various drivers tackling litter and fly tipping could contribute to addressing Scotland’s throwaway culture and retaining products and materials in the economy The Litter Strategy Steering Group had been invaluable for discussing current practices and encouraging innovative corporate collaboration across all Council Resources. It had highlighted areas for future development, initiated pilot projects and created the Litter Strategy Action Plan. The Action Plan, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, had 19 actions and covered the main themes of Education, Engagement and Enforcement. Updates were provided against each action. Highlights of the Litter Strategy Action Plan and baseline data were detailed in the report. As part of the implementation of the Strategy, the Steering Group agreed to establish 3 pilot initiatives that would require collaborative working to target areas of concern. The pilots were:- Town Centres (Cambuslang) Housing Industrial Estates An update on progress with the 3 pilot initiatives was provided. It was recognised that effective communications were an important part of the Litter Strategy to encourage public understanding and support and to bring key messages to specific audiences. An overarching and long-term identity was being developed for the Strategy as part of this approach. Work was ongoing with Communications and Strategy to promote all significant developments and actions currently being undertaken as part of the Strategy. There followed a full discussion during which officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Chair advised that some suggestions in terms of tackling dog fouling would be discussed with Communications and Strategy. The Committee decided: (1) that the progress and updates on the Litter Strategy Action Plan be noted; and (2) that the update on the 3 pilot projects be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 31 August 2022 (Paragraph 4)] 10 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 10
Page 11
Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 20 November 2023 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Biodiversity Duty Report 2021 to 2023 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] present the Council’s Biodiversity Duty Report for 2021-2023, as legally required under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [r] The Council’s statutory Biodiversity Duty report for 2021 to 2023 is approved for submission to the Scottish Government. 3. Background 3.1. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places a duty on public bodies in Scotland to further the conservation of biodiversity. This biodiversity duty is about taking care of nature all around us, not just in specific protected sites and for particular species. 3.2. The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (commonly known as the WANE Act), requires every public body in Scotland to produce a publicly available report, on compliance with the Biodiversity Duty. This must be completed once every three years. Our next report is due on 31st December 2023. 3.3. The Council has complied with the statutory reporting requirement since its introduction in 2014. A summary of responses of public bodies to the biodiversity duty can be found on the NatureScot website. 3.4. The Council has a significant influence on biodiversity as a major landowner, as a Planning Authority and through the impacts of its wider service delivery. Direct Council delivery of the biodiversity duty is managed and monitored through the Council’s Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP). 3.5. The BDIP sets out objectives and outcomes that have been agreed with Resource representatives. The BDIP represents the Council’s statement of its delivery against the biodiversity duty; monitoring of the BDIP informs the Council’s statutory reporting to the Scottish Government. 3 11
Page 12
3.6. The Council is a key member of the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership and has produced a Biodiversity Strategy which sets an agreed framework for furthering the conservation of biodiversity across South Lanarkshire. The new Biodiversity Strategy is due early 2024. 3.7. The Partnership brings together various groups including Government agencies, advisory bodies and Non-Governmental Organisations with an interest in biodiversity in South Lanarkshire. Key partners include NatureScot, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Forestry, Butterfly Conservation, Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network, Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. 4 Biodiversity Duty Report 2021 to 2023 4.1. The report requires approval by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee and to be published on the Council’s website by 1 January 2024; Scottish Government are sent a link to the report. 4.2. The report comprises of eight parts:- 1 Introduction The Council’s role in relation to biodiversity as a public body. Our role and purpose, including any environmental responsibilities. 2 Governance This section establishes how governance of biodiversity is recognised within the Council. 3 Actions to protect biodiversity and connect people with nature A description of actions we have undertaken to benefit biodiversity directly or achieve wider outcomes for nature and people over the last three years. 4 Mainstreaming biodiversity / nature- based solutions and climate change Steps our organisation has taken to incorporate biodiversity measures into wider policies. This section describes how Resources work to mainstream the consideration of biodiversity and how biodiversity measures have been incorporated into various policy areas. 5 Public engagement and workforce development The Council make use of their regular contact with the public to communicate, educate and promote biodiversity. Details on partnership working with external organisations and communities to further protect, enhance and promote biodiversity. 6 Research and monitoring Details of how we gather records, monitor and share our biological data. 7 Biodiversity highlights and challenges This section highlights some of the work we are most proud of and identifies current and future challenges to completing biodiversity-based work. 8 Contribution to biodiversity targets This section highlights the Council’s overall activities that contribute to Scotland’s National Biodiversity targets within the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 ‘ Tackling the Nature Emergency’. 12
Page 13
4.3. A copy of the draft biodiversity report for 2023 can be found at appendix 1. 4.4. Some highlights from the report include:- The designation of 16 new proposed Local Nature Reserves, and an extension to the existing LNR at Langlands Moss in April 2022. The reserves now cover 610ha in total (previously 20ha) and encompass a broad spectrum of habitats including ancient broad-leaved woodland, riparian woodland, ponds, river, peatland and grassland. Continued support of local volunteers and community groups across South Lanarkshire through a range of mechanisms. This includes regular work sessions, carrying out site improvements, events and activities, and committee meetings. Continued creation and improvement of habitats for pollinators, including projects with Butterfly Conservation and Buglife to create wildflower meadows. Supporting outdoor play by providing access to funding for training and equipment, building capacity to help groups run their own outdoor activities and providing opportunities for children to explore nature close to their homes. The completion of the peatland restoration work at Langlands Moss LNR. Removing 20ha of over mature conifer trees from the reserve, installing over 270 metres length of dams, allowing the water table to rise back to its natural level and to encourage the growth of sphagnum ‘bog’ mosses to help make the peat an active carbon sink. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no direct employee implications with this report. The Council’s Biodiversity Officer works in conjunction with all Council Resources to deliver the Councils objectives around biodiversity. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no additional revenue implications associated with this report. NRF funding of £0.545m for 2023 was received in July 2023. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1 Improvements to biodiversity have the potential to help mitigate the effects of climate change for example through natural flood management and carbon storage. There is also a need for biodiversity to be improved to make natural systems better able to cope with the impacts of a changing climate, such as improving nature networks to increase species resilience. 7.2. Biodiversity actions are incorporated in the Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. Measures are reported on though statutory Climate Change Duties. 7.3. South Lanarkshire Council has undertaken screening for the proposed South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy and BDIP with regard to the requirements of section 9 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The Screening Report was submitted and approved to the Scottish Government’s SEA Gateway in March 2023, the report sets out the views of South Lanarkshire Council on the likelihood of significant environmental effects for the proposed Strategy and the potential for requiring an SEA. 13
Page 14
8. Other Implications 8.1. Reporting requirements under the biodiversity duty have implications for all Resources. Targets and measures set out in the Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan are agreed with all Resources. The Countryside and Greenspace Section offer support and guidance for all Resources and undertake the collation of measures and preparation of the statutory reports. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. Equality impact assessments were carried out for the previous SL Biodiversity Strategy and the SLC Biodiversity Implementation Plan. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 20 November 2023 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Improve the quality of life of everyone in South Lanarkshire Make communities safer, stronger and sustainable Improve achievement, raise educational attainment and support lifelong learning Encourage participation in physical and cultural activities Work with communities and partners to promote high quality, thriving and sustainable communities Improve achievement, raise educational attainment and support lifelong learning Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References Biodiversity Duty Report: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee – 22 May 2018 Biodiversity Duty Report: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Committee – 4 Nov 2020. List of Background Papers South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Duty Reports Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 Tackling the Nature Emergency Scotland Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Joanna Birkin, Biodiversity Officer Tel: 07788 351841 E-mail: joanna.birkin@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 14
Page 15
Biodiversity Duty Report 2021 - 2023 If you want this information in a different format or language, phone 0303 123 1015 or email equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3 15
Page 16
Contents 1. Introduction. 2. Governance. 3. Actions to protect biodiversity and connect people with nature. 4. Mainstreaming biodiversity, nature-based solutions and climate change. 5. Public engagement and workforce development. 6. Research and monitoring. 7. Biodiversity highlights and challenges. 8. Contribution to biodiversity targets 16
Page 17
1 Introduction 1.1 The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 placed a duty on all public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity. Section 1 of the Act states “It is the duty of every public body and office holder, in exercising any functions, to further the conservation of biodiversity so far as it is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions”. 1.2 The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 amends the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and introduced a requirement for all public authorities to produce and make available a report, every three years, detailing their compliance with biodiversity duty. 1.3 South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) was established in 1996 under the Local Government et cetera. (Scotland) Act 1994. Under the Act, and through a wide range of other legislation, the council, as a unitary authority, exercises a range of statutory, regulatory and service functions. 1.4 The Duty Report will support delivery of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi Targets and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045: Tackling the Nature Emergency in Scotland. Together, these documents outline the major steps needed to improve the state of nature in Scotland. 1.5 South Lanarkshire council (SLC) achieves its Biodiversity Duty through the delivery of the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy (2024-2030), focusing on biodiversity at a service level, partnership working and facilitating local action to help achieve the targets within the Scottish Strategy. 1.6 The council has produced a Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan. The Biodiversity Duty is also recognised in various council resources and service plans. 2 Governance 2.1 Biodiversity is governed through our Climate Change and Sustainability Committee (CCS), which has decision making powers to help to accelerate the pace and scale of action needed in response to the climate and nature emergencies and meet challenging national targets. The committee will be responsible for ensuring the council complies with its biodiversity duty. 2.2 The committee is supported by the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group which is made up of senior manager from all council resources and has responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy and Duty reports and embedding biodiversity within council policies. 2.3 A screening process was carried out alongside the preparation of the Biodiversity Strategy and the Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan. This ensures that the importance of biodiversity is mainstreamed across the council and biodiversity is incorporated across all council led policies, plans, programmes and strategies should continue to benefit the people who live, work and visit South Lanarkshire. The Strategic Environmental Assessment Corporate Working Group is a cross-resource group that works together to ensure that all plans, policies, and strategies undergo the Strategic Environmental Assessment process which includes biodiversity factors. All council resources are represented on this group as well as representatives from South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Trust and the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership. 17
Page 18
3. Actions to protect biodiversity and connect people with nature The South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan sets out the commitments we continue to make to the conservation of biodiversity. The progress made over the years highlighting the efforts we have made and what we aim to continue to deliver and improve on. The creation of this plan and a larger emphasis on the importance of biodiversity and the nature crisis has helped to integrate its considerations within plans, as well as action on the ground. We are committed to continue developing our work in this area. The following demonstrates the actions we have taken over the last three years to ensure the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. 3.1 Local Nature Reserves Photo 1: The front cover of one of our management statements for Milton Tile Works Local Nature Reserve. In April 2022, SLC designated a total of 17 LNRs, with 16 new sites adding to the existing one at Langlands Moss. Covering 610 hectares in total, these encompass a broad spectrum of habitats including ancient woodland, peatland, open water, wetlands, and grasslands. LNR are locally important areas of natural heritage, usually close to our towns and cities. Some sites have already had significant investment to improve their access and other infrastructure, some very little. Similarly, some have excellent community groups who do much work on their sites, while others have none. SLC wishes to continue and expand work on sites and to keep people interested and involved with their local greenspaces. We want to collaborate with communities to ensure local needs are met and that the public is aware of why these sites are special. Each site has a draft management statement prepared by SLC which provides information on why it is important and the aims for the site in the future. Many of our LNR’s are supported by ‘friends’ community groups who look after and promote the reserves through regular events and activities, educational visits, and conservation work. Each site has a designated countryside ranger who works with the local communities, interest groups, linking with to local schools, colleges, and universities. Further information on each site can be found on our webpage, each site has a draft management plan which will be developed into a full site management plan in partnership with the local communities and NatureScot. The new local nature reserves are: • Backmuir wood, Hamilton • Blantyre, Bothwell and Uddingston • Cadzow Glen, Hamilton • Fernbrae Meadows 18
Page 19
• Greenhall, Milheugh and Barnhill, Blantyre • Hamilton Low Parks • Holmhills Wood, Cambuslang • James Hamilton Heritage Park, East Kilbride • Jock’s Burn, Carluke • Langlands Moss, East Kilbride • Milton, Carluke • Morgan Glen, Larkhall • Mossneuk, East Kilbride • Neilsland and Earnock, Hamilton • Stonehouse Park, Stonehouse • Udston and Glenlee Woods, Hamilton • Westburn Marsh, Cambuslang A series of short films were produced in 2023 highlighting the variety of events taking place in a few of our Local Nature Reserves and the improvements we have made for biodiversity. 3.2 Local Nature Conservation Sites (LNCS) A list of potential LNCS has been created and mapped, based on previously identified Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation from the 1990’s, along with sites identified from aerial photography, woodland and peatland mapping. We have surveyed 150 sites to date (2023), which have been initially assessed using the criteria based on: • Species diversity • Species rarity • Habitat importance • Biodiversity connectivity 74 sites have passed the criteria, many sites are adjacent or connect to a designated site or link to important green or blue networks. We will continue to survey the LNCS, with an initial focus on the urban and greenbelt sites to support the planning system. 3.3 Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) Biodiversity has been scoped into all SEA proceeding to scoping stage; potential environmental effects are considered and where appropriate, relevant mitigation and enhancement measures identified. Plans that have gone through the process recently include the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (2022-2027), the council plan (2022-2027) and the community plan (2022-2032). The figures below show the number of complete plans assessed as part of the SEA process: • 2020: 5 • 2021: 7 • 2022: 11 • 2023: 8 19
Page 20
3.4 Conservation days at South Haugh Photo 2: Volunteers working at South Haugh removing INNS. 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the South Haugh conservation days. Fortnightly sessions have been running since June 2013, providing a volunteering opportunity which gives much needed management to South Haugh and Low Parks LNR in Hamilton. Path maintenance, Himalayan balsam removal, woodland management and scrub clearance are just a sample of the activities that take place. A core of 6 to 14 volunteers regularly attends, with further volunteers from the local communities and businesses. The work continues to have a positive impact on the site and volunteers involved. 3.5 Grassland Management Photo 3: We continue to manage and monitor the banking at Glen Doll in East Kilbride which was sown with yellow rattle with the local community in winter 2019 and 2021. This parasitic plant helps keep grasses down allowing other wildflowers to grow. We have a good history of working with external partners on various grassland improvement projects. We recently created several B-line sites with Buglife and have worked on various projects with Butterfly Conservation to create wildflower areas from amenity grassland. We continue to create areas of long grass and wildflowers to benefit biodiversity, particularly pollinators. We wish to continue to expand on this work throughout South Lanarkshire. There is also a role for communities to play, especially where there is a potential for change to how local greenspaces are managed. Communication is key to understanding why different types of habitats are a benefit for our wildlife, and a balance needs to be found for the various uses of 20
Page 21
sites. The opportunities for sites are variable, and a change does not need to take away the amenity and aesthetic value; it can enhance it. 3.6 Ground Services alternatives to glyphosate With increased public concern about the use of pesticides, particularly those containing glyphosate in weed control and the potential risks associated with using these products Grounds Services piloted alternative methods of weed control and pesticide free zones in partnership with local groups. They also signed up to the Amenity Forum, the UK’s voluntary initiative recognised by Government and its main objective is to promote best practice across the sector. A variety of methods were trialled in 2021/22 including hot foam, hot steam, new way spray, mankar ultra-low volume lance, hot air / thermal treatments, and different glyphosate products to determine any difference in effectiveness. Overall, the trails usage of glyphosate was reduced by 30% (2019 usage of glyphosate was 4462 litres, reduced to 3123 litres in 2022). This was seen as a significant achievement to the work undertaken to reduce usage, trial alternatives methods and work towards improving and protecting our environment, particularly with regards to ground water and potential leaching into our watercourses. The trial demonstrated a clear direction for decreasing usage of glyphosate, and Ground Services aim to continue reviewing the use, whilst utilising alternative methods to maximise impact. The service intends to continue to review the locations where herbicides are used and to expand the use of alternative methods to reduce the use of glyphosate. 3.7 Nature Restoration Programme (NRP) The NRP brings together Scottish Governments Nature Restoration Funding (NRF) with South Lanarkshire Council’s Climate Emergency Fund during 2021 to 2023. The focus of the programme was to deliver positive effects for biodiversity, local ecosystems, mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote nature-bases solutions. Most of the groundwork was completed by seasonal grounds employees, to keep work in house and be cost effective. The initial focus of the program was on pollinators, whose decline has been well documented in the media. Building on previous work on council land over the last few years, of improving grassland and other habitats. The project also included other nature-based solutions that have many benefits for our natural environment. Improvements made within the programme: • Local Nature Reserves, Country Park, and National Nature Reserve: creating and improving wildflower areas, tree planting, small access repairs and removal of invasive and non-native species. • District Parks: old and degraded shrub beds were replaced with plants chosen to benefit pollinators throughout the year. Some of these plants are also noted to help improve air quality, which can be incorporated as appropriate. District parks have also been chosen to host the covid memorial orchard, which contribute a biodiversity benefit to pollinators as well as enhancing tree canopy cover. • Development of plans and studies: investing in feasibility studies that will enable future site works that take advantage of various potential funding streams. The objectives for these studies will focus on multiple benefits; nature-based solutions that improve the site for people and wildlife as well as helping to offset the impacts of climate change such as flooding. 21
Page 22
Photo 4: The Friends of Calder sowing wildflower seeds in one of the two meadows created as part of the NRP. More than 900 trees were also planted to improve this large expanse of amenity grassland in the LNR for wildlife. 3.8 Invasive, non-native species (INNS) The location of INNS, mainly Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, and giant hogweed are recorded. Treatment to remove the plants is applied, where appropriate and area are subsequently monitored. As part of the NRP priorities, South Lanarkshire’s grounds services undertook a programme of rhododendron control at Calderglen Country Park, delivering biodiversity gains by the removal of a priority INNS. This was also an important measure for the ongoing sustainability of important woodland as some rhododendron plants were shown to host the fungal pathogen Phytophtora ramorum. Monitoring and treatment of regrowth will be an ongoing priority for the foreseeable future. 3.9 Green Flags Three parks in South Lanarkshire maintain Green Flag Awards which recognise and reward well managed parks and greenspaces. These are Strathaven park, Cambuslang Park and Castlebank Park. Biodiversity friendly elements of site management include reducing the use of peat and chemical and appropriate managing natural features and wildlife. Theses site have associated active community groups. Strathaven Park has a new sensory garden which includes planting to encourage pollinators, a new hedge, creation of a wildflower meadow and improvements to the watercourse for wildlife. The ranger team are currently working with the Friends of Calder community group to work towards a Greenflag award for Greenhall Park and LNR in Blantyre. 3.10 Air quality Photo 5: Grow 73 maintaining the raised bed in Rutherglen. 22
Page 23
South Lanarkshire Council has declared three Air Quality Management Areas and has an Action Plan which sets out the local measures to be implemented to improve air quality. These actions aim to reduce particulates and nitrogen oxides which will improve air quality as well as having a positive impact on biodiversity. Over the next year the council plans to revise the current air quality action plan and this time we will look to see how we can strengthen the links to biodiversity. As part of that process, we will look to the Cleaner Air for 2 Strategy produced by Scottish Government and in particular reference the use of nature based solutions. Environmental Services produced an 2022 Air Quality Annual Progress report highlighting projects in South Lanarkshire to improve air quality. The council are working in partnership with a local community gardening group ‘Grow 73’ several large wooden planters with pollution fighting plants, some of which are pollinator friendly were installed adjacent to a busy road junction in Rutherglen. The project has been running for several years and Grow 73 continue to maintain the planters and engaged with the Royal Horticultural Society who have supported the project by providing advice, compost, and additional plants. 3.11 Vacant and Derelict Land (VDL) The remediation and redevelopment of vacant and derelict land is a priority for SLC. Such action is critical to the process of area renewal and regeneration, providing opportunities for economic development, new housing, recreation provision and enhancement of the environment. Between 2006 and 2020, 393.47 ha of previously vacant and derelict land has been taken forward for development or for greening in South Lanarkshire. The Biodiversity Strategy encourages the removal from the register of derelict sites which have become naturalised. Since 2016, 18 sites, totalling 23.63 ha have been surveyed and removed. Some of these have become Local Nature Reserves and potential Local Nature Conservation Sites. 3.12 Contaminated Land Photo 6: Milton LNR, one of the areas improved for pollinators and wildlife. In 2020-21, significant site works were undertaken at Milton LNR a former brick works covering around 14 hectares, in Carluke thanks to the vacant and derelict land fund. Three new access points were created, paths and boardwalks were installed along with benches, drainage has been improved throughout the site and a dipping platform installed at one of the ponds. Wildflower seeds were sown in many areas to improve both grassland diversity and pollinator habitats. The site has now been designated as a LNR and is managed for biodiversity, so becoming assets to the local community as well as attracting visitors from further afield. 23
Page 24
3.13 Planning Applications The council receives many planning applications of various scales across the region. CAG staff comment on approximately 100 to 150 applications a year regarding biodiversity, including: • Effects on native woodland. • Proximity to locally important sites. • Impact on access. • Effect on priority or protected habitats and species. • SuDS design. • Impact on the landscape. • Specific applications for proposed works to trees in conservation areas or trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order. These applications, along with high hedge applications are included within the weekly list of planning applications received. 3.14 Provision of land As part of all new housing developments, consideration is given to improving the biodiversity of the local area. This includes the inclusion of open greenspace, wildlife corridors and wildflower plantations. These are considered on a site-by-site basis in conjunction with developers. 3.15 Ecological surveys Where necessary, the procurement process ensures the completion of ecological surveys to provide information on: • Protected species such as badgers, otter, bats, and breeding birds. • Vegetation surveys. • The treatment and eradication of invasive species. • Habitat surveys to identify and quantify sites of interest, provide baseline information, and provide guidance and recommendations. 3.16 Roadside verges Since 2015 the council has reduced the number of grass cuts to all verges owned by SLC from six to one cut per year, except where safety reasons demand a more regular cut. Wildflower and landscaped areas and hedges associated with road infrastructure are maintained. 3.17 Community Payback The SLC Social Work team provides unpaid work placements which include environmental improvements or conservation work such as path maintenance and woodland management. They have undertaken several biodiversity and access projects providing benefits to the local community and visitors to our parks and greenspaces. Path restoration and vegetation clearance at Calderglen Country Park has improved visitor experience on wildlife corridors along the river. In partnership with CAG Countryside Rangers, a complete restoration of the wildlife gardens and greenhouse at Calderglen has transformed the space, providing for a wildlife area for propagating plants as well as a small tree nursery. 3.18 Deadwood On our land, cut and fallen trees and stumps are left in situ where possible, such as within woodlands, to provide a valuable habitat. Where wood is removed for safety or amenity reasons, it is chipped and used on plant beds. 3.19 Eco-Schools In South Lanarkshire 216 education establishments are registered as Eco-schools with 60 Green Flags achieved. 24
Page 25
4. Mainstreaming biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and climate change. As a landowner and manager, SLC has a significant ability to impact biodiversity conservation across its services. While the role of biodiversity enhancement in the council’s planning and land management function is well understood, there is now much greater awareness of the benefits to health and social care, education, and other areas of service delivery. All resources work to mainstream consideration of biodiversity and biodiversity measures have been incorporated into various policy areas. In accordance with the council’s resource planning guidance, annual resource plan is required to include details of the actions each resource will take to contribute to the council’s biodiversity duty action. Actions and measures from resources and services plans are clearly marked, monitored, and reported through the council’s performance management system. As well as the biodiversity actions and measures included in core resource and service plans, biodiversity objectives are also included in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. Progress is reported to the executive committee on all the strategy’s actions twice a year. Corporate guidance on writing committee reports also requires that any proposal being submitted to committees, or the corporate management team include consideration to environmental implications including if SEA has been carried out or compliance with the biodiversity and climate change duties. The following demonstrates the range of our activities and services and the links to biodiversity. 4.1 South Lanarkshire Council Plan 2022-2027 sets out the vision, values and ambitions the council hopes to achieve to improve outcomes for local people. It sets out the vision which is delivered by the five resources. Each resource produces more detailed plans for achieving annual priorities, for example the Community and Enterprise Resource Plan includes actions documented in this report. 4.2 Local Development Plan SL Local Development Plan 2 was adopted on the 9th of April 2021 and now replaces the adopted LDP 2015 and the SL Mineral LDP and forms the development plan for South Lanarkshire alongside the Clydeplan. Biodiversity is covered in the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2) under: Volume 1: • Policy 13: Green Network and Greenspace: “development proposals should safeguard the local green network, as identified on the proposals map, and identify opportunities for enhancement and/or extension which can contribute towards: iii. “Supporting biodiversity”. • Policy 14: Natural and Built Environment: covers the protection of designated and other important natural sites and preventing and/or mitigating impacts on protected species. It contains a general requirement for development proposals to assess impacts on biodiversity: “The council will assess all development proposals on terms of their impact on the natural and historic environment, including biodiversity, geodiversity, landscape and townscape”. • Supplementary Guidance 8: Green networks and greenspace: provides additional information on biodiversity priorities in South Lanarkshire and sets policies designed to support LDP Policy 13, including linking good quality greenspace for their role in nature conservation, biodiversity, recreation and education. • Supplementary Guidance 9: Natural and Historic Environment provides additional information on biodiversity priorities in South Lanarkshire and a set of policies designed 25
Page 26
to support LDP Policy 14, including policies for woodland, peatland, protected species, geodiversity and soils. Volume 2 of LDP2 contains various detailed policies to provide additional guidance on a range of matters in support of the main policies in Vol 1. Of relevance are: • Policy NHE7: Natura 2000 sites • Policy NHE8: National nature \reserves (NNR) and Sites of Special scientific Interest (SSSI). • Policy NHE9: Protected Species • Policy NHE10: Prime agricultural land • Policy NHE11: Peatland and carbon rich soils • Policy NHE 12: Water environment and biodiversity • Policy NHE13: Forestry and woodland • Policy NHE14: Tree preservation orders • Policy NHE15: Local Nature Reserves (LNR) • Policy NHE20: Biodiversity • Policy NHE21: Geodiversity and soils National Planning Framework 4 NPF4 is a long-term plan looking to 2045 that guides spatial developments, sets out national planning policies, designates national developments and highlights regional priorities. It replaces NPF3 and Scottish Planning Policy. NPF4 now forms part of the statutory development plan, along with SLLDP2 and supporting planning guidance. From February 2023 planning applications will be assessed against these documents. As a result of the adoption of NPF4, Clydeplan will no longer have an effect and as such no longer be part of the development plan. More details and a draft guidance on NPF4 can be found on the following link: Nature guidance 4.3 Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP) The BDIP demonstrates the activities and achievements of the council that have contributed to biodiversity improvement in the last few years. It identifies why biodiversity is a key element of how we work and sets out our plans and proposals for 2024 to 2026. 4.4 Climate Change and Sustainability Committee (CCS) The CCS has decision making powers to help to accelerate the action needed in response to the climate and nature emergencies and meeting the challenges set by national targets. The committee are responsible for ensuring the council complies with its biodiversity duty. The senior management climate change and sustainability steering group support the work of the committee, which is made up of senior managers from all the council resources, ensuring biodiversity is developed and features within council policy. 4.5 Sustainable Development and Climate Strategy 2022-2027 This strategy recognises the importance of healthy biodiversity and ecosystems in climate change mitigation and adaptation for example the restoration of peatland that improves carbon storage capacity and can reduce incidents of flooding. The strategy provides a framework for embedding biodiversity in other strategies and plans across the council. There are 13 priorities within the strategy, the most key to biodiversity are: • 1: Contribute to improving health and wellbeing through environmental protection and access to environmental benefits for all. • 6: Improve the availability and access to quality local outdoor spaces and services. • 7: Empower communities to take climate action and be more environmentally sustainable. • Enhance, protect, and respect the outdoors and the natural and historic environment. • Conserve, restore and improve biodiversity and use nature-bases solutions in tackling the climate. 26
Page 27
4.6 Corporate Improvement Advisory Board The board issues resource planning guidance to all resources on an annual basis outlining standard content to be included within each of our resource plans. This content includes text on sustainable development generally and specifically our statutory requirement under the biodiversity duty to further the conservation of biodiversity. Resources are expected to set out within their resource plans the biodiversity actions which they will be undertaking. 4.7 Corporate Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Working group The group brings together representative from across all resources and key services to oversee the SEA process within the council. Representatives give information, advice, and assistance on biodiversity to colleagues who are responsible for preparing policies, plans, programmes and strategies and their SEA. Many of our plans have been strengthened by the SEA process and actions of the group. This has proved to be one of the most effective ways of mainstreaming biodiversity into the strategic planning process. 4.8 SEA Scoping workshops These workshops are held for all our plans which are determined to require SEA. Biodiversity, flora and fauna is one of the environmental objectives considered as part of the SEA process. This helps to ensure that biodiversity is given early and effective consideration in all aspects of strategic planning and often leads to further discussion between services which helps to reinforce the delivery of our biodiversity duty. 4.9 Air Quality Strategy South Lanarkshire Council’s Air Quality Strategy recognises the importance of biodiversity in protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Sustainability is a key theme of this strategy which recognises the relationship between air quality and biodiversity. South Lanarkshire’s Contaminated Land Strategy also recognises the importance of biodiversity on our natural resources, particularly in terms of nature conservation. 4.10 Education Resources The Outdoor Learning Policy promotes biodiversity and reinforces the positive gains of being outdoors in relation to learning and wellbeing. Many schools have outdoor learning provision in their grounds such as orchards, nature trails and woodland areas. In addition, teaching and support staff across South Lanarkshire have undergone accredited Forest School training to assist with leading outdoor activities. 4.11 Local Transport Strategy (2013-2023) This strategy will be reviewed this year and will be subject to SEA. Where the scale of a project requires that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be undertaken by appropriate qualified and experienced consultants. The results of the EIA are reported in an Environmental Statement which includes guidance on topics such as ecology and nature conservation, geology and soils, and drainage and the water environment. If a project is of a scale that does not statutorily require an EIA but will still have an environmental impact, then an Environmental Report is always produced. 4.12 Local Housing Strategy (2022-2027) Sets out our priorities in relation to the supply of affordable housing, improving housing quality and energy efficiency, supporting independent living, tackling homelessness, and supporting sustainable places. The strategy was developed in partnership with a wide range of people and organisations and was assessed for the impacts it may have on communities and the environment (SEA). South Lanarkshire Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) (2023-2028), is a five year plan which provides details of planned new social housing across South Lanarkshire in partnership with registered social landlords. This accords with the policies with the LDP2. In addition, Housing and Technical Resources contribute to the council’s Sustainable 27
Page 28
Development and Climate Strategy in relation to reducing the environmental impact of housing and domestic construction. 4.13 Food Growing Strategy (2020-2025) The Executive Committee approved the Food Growing strategy in December 2020. This outlines how we intend to work towards increasing food growing provisions as well as how we will identify available lands to develop allotment sites, and areas for food growing, for example raised beds, orchards, and community growing. The strategy has a section on biodiversity and the environment, highlighting how food growing areas contribute positively to biodiversity and when developing new sites consideration will be given to the provision of green corridors for wildlife and havens for insects, including pollinator species. We encourage plot holders to plant insect friendly plants and where possible create opportunities for the provision of habitats such as logs and ponds. 4.14 Fernbrae Meadows LNR The reporting schedule of this green infrastructure project was embedded during the funding and post completion reports to NatureScot (NS), with biodiversity as one of the key required outcomes. The last report to NS was in January 2023, highlighting the conservation and habitat improvements at reserve along with the educational and training activities. 4.15 Making Space for Pollinators Report In November 2023 the Making Space for Pollinators Report is due to go to the CCS committee for approval. The report sets out our aims to help conserve and enhance for pollinators and their habitats throughout South Lanarkshire. The report highlights the various projects and partnerships we have developed to support and enhance our land for native pollinators. We aim to create a series of nature networks through our urban areas linking public parks, greenspaces, nature reserves, gardens and allotments, to the wider countryside to help support the movement and health of our pollinators. The report lists the 155 grassland sites, covering 62 hectares of land that have already been improved for pollinators and our next steps to monitor and expand these sites. 5. Public engagement and workforce development. There is a strong track record of partnership working in South Lanarkshire in which biodiversity has a key role. Detailed below are external organisations and communities with which the council has worked in partnership with to further protect, enhance and promote biodiversity. 5.1 The South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership The Biodiversity Partnership (SLBP) was established in 1997 to bring together partners with an interest in conserving and promoting biodiversity throughout the region. It is responsible for the preparation and monitoring of the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy. The partnership is supported and facilitated by the council and has members from organisations including: NatureScot, Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership (GCV), RSPB, SEPA, Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Forestry, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, and the Clyde River Foundation. South Lanarkshire Council co-ordinates and provides support for the partnership. We facilitate and chair annual meetings of the partnership and its sub-groups. The partnership is in the process of producing a Biodiversity Strategy (2024-2030). This takes an ecosystems approach to improving the biodiversity of South Lanarkshire and has identified six key ecosystems relevant to the area. For each ecosystem and cross-cutting theme, the strategy identifies progress achieved, key challenges and opportunities, outcomes and actions. 5.2 South Lanarkshire Access Forum (SLOAF) The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 requires all access authorities in Scotland to set up at least on Local Access Forum. SLOF advises the council and any other person or body on issues that arise in relation to outdoor access. Our forum consists of representatives from a 28
Page 29
wide range of interests including land mangers (farm, estate owners, agencies such as the FCS, Historic Scotland and SWT), walkers, cyclists, equestrians, anglers, and local communities. 5.3 Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership LGHP was established in March 2018 and is a cross sectoral collaboration working together to connect people with nature and maximise the use of health inducing green assets. This multi- agency partnership provides a platform to maximise the use of greenspaces for community health and wellbeing. The partnership allows the voluntary, health and social care sectors to work together more closely, to expand the provision of green health volunteering opportunities in the use of nature-based solutions to deliver a range of public health outcomes. LGHP include NatureScot, NHS, Scottish Forestry, Volunteer Action South Lanarkshire, South and North Lanarkshire Council’s. Projects including Get Outdoors Lanarkshire, Get Walking Lanarkshire, Community Food Growing Initiative Lanarkshire are supported by this partnership. 5.4 Community Action Lanarkshire Community Action Lanarkshire (CAL) is a programme managed by the Rural Development Trust offering support for rural communities across North and South Lanarkshire. The project follows on from the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP) funded from 2012- 18. The programme has seen £4.8 million invested into the region, projects approached biodiversity conservation from a landscape scale perspective with a focus on community engagement and education. 5.5 We work with other external partners to further our biodiversity duty, including: • Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership • Green Action Trust • South Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership • Greenspace Scotland Various projects have been developed and implemented over the last three years that have contributed to the conservation and promotion of South Lanarkshire’s biodiversity: 5.6 Community Groups and Volunteer capacity building We continue to support community groups with an interest in engaging with their local greenspace by assisting with events and conservation activities, attending meetings, and applying for funding. More information can be found on the following community groups by clicking on the links: • Friends of the Calder • Friends of Cadzow Glen • Friends of Fernbrae Meadows • New Roots - Neilsland and Earnock Heritage Group • Cadzow Community Corps • Friends of Holmhills Wood Community Park • Friends of Langlands Moss • Friends of Morgan Glen • Friends of Stonehouse Park • Friends of Udston and Glenlee Woods Many of our designated Local Nature Reserves have a dedicated “friend’s” community groups attached to them. These groups are an important link within the community, and they are invaluable in protecting and promoting biodiversity through community engagement, practical conservation work to providing ecological data for national surveys. Examples include installing and repairing dams along old forestry drainage channels within our peatland reserve, to planting trees and expanding our nature networks to improving grasslands for pollinators. Many 29
Page 30
volunteers have a keen interest and extensive knowledge of flora and fauna, from butterflies, moths, bats, dragonflies, mammals, and amphibians. Photo 7: Langlands Moss LNR, a large health monitoring event with Butterfly Conservation (Summer 2022). We have worked with many external partners providing training for our volunteers, topic range from conserving peatlands, butterfly and moth identification workshops to habitat creation and management for pollinator species. The Countryside and Greenspace Team (CAG) continue to work with volunteers and community groups, supporting various types of work. The average time spent volunteering each year is 4746 days (2018 to 2023), which equates to £474,600 annually (based on £100 per day). 2022 was a great year for our volunteers a huge 5342 days were accrued equating to £534,200. This is an under-representation of the work carried out in South Lanarkshire by volunteers as we do not receive information from all our groups every year. CAG promote all their events, activities and projects on the South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers Facebook page . In 2021, a draft report was compiled, celebrating the achievements of the volunteers we work with and support, detailing the positive outcomes for biodiversity. The Countryside and Greenspace team produced a draft report summarising the work of our volunteer (2011 to 2021). The report found that 900 hectares of land have been improved for biodiversity and access over the ten-year period. 5.7 The Friends of Holmhills Wood Community Park LNR The group is a subgroup of Cambuslang Community Council, they are a small group of volunteers dedicated to promoting and conserving the reserve through awareness raising and regular public events. The friends hold regular public meetings, themed meets up, for pond dipping, practical conservation days, public activities and events for all ages and abilities, a weekly health walk and work with the local primary, secondary and additional support needs schools located near the reserve. Members of the group are keen naturalists; they regularly record the wildlife at the reserve and contribute to casual wildlife records to the appropriate recording scheme throughout the year and one member of the group is a talented wildlife photographer and regularly shares the photos on the friends Facebook page. 30
Page 31
Photo 8: Monitoring and recording for dragonflies and damselflies at the ponds at Holmhills LNR. Ongoing conservation tasks include thinning of the willow scrub around the three ponds at the reserve to maintain the ponds but also for breeding warblers, the creation of wildflower meadow and control of INNS. In December 2022, they achieved an outstanding award from Keep Scotland Beautiful “It’s your neighbourhood award” the scheme recognised the wildlife survey work done by the volunteers contributed to the success. 5.8 New Roots – Neilsland and Earnock Heritage Group New Roots Heritage Group formed in 2011, they continue to improve the LNR for biodiversity and access through events, activities for the local community, the reserve is regularly used by the three local primary schools and a nursery school for outdoor education. Photo 9: Volunteers planting trees as part of the Clyde Climate Forest scheme. An urban woodland has been created at the reserve as part of the Clyde Climate Forest scheme and to help ash dieback disease recovery in South Lanarkshire. In March 2022 the South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers supported a dedicated team of volunteers who learned skills to successfully plant around 1000 trees. The volunteer team continued in 2023 planting nearly 4000 more tree, to add to the woodland canopy and expand the woodland corridor connecting to establish broadleaved woodland in the surrounding landscape. 5.9 The Friends of Udston and Glenlee Woods The Friends of Udston and Glenlee Woods formally constituted in 2011. Over the years they have carried out numerous events and worked with local schools and community, promoting the responsible use of the woods. Over the last few years, they have been assisting with the 31
Page 32
conservation days, litter picks and the running of events such as bat walks, plant identification sessions. Tasks such as laurel, snowberry and spirea removal, woodland management, litter picking, and drainage work have been undertaken. Supporting Our Community is a charity based in Hillhouse in Hamilton. Over the last three years, through working in partnership with CAG, they have organised bushcraft type sessions for families at Udston and Glenlee Woods LNR, during the summer months. Partnership working with St Ninians Church ‘Care for Creation’ group, to run several nature- based walks and activities for the parish at Udston and Glenlee Woods. Also, nature information and tips given for their regular newsletter. 5.10 Friends of Hamilton Low Parks The friends of Hamilton Low Parks newly formed in October 2019 and are not constituted but have meet several times in the year. They regularly help on the conservation days and assisted with public events organised by members of the CAG team. In 2023, in partnership with the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) Recorder a field trip was organised at the reserve as part of their Vice Country 77 field works surveying programme. 5.11 Westburn LNR Sessions have been running bi-monthly, since February 2020, improving the site and providing a volunteering opportunity for the local community and businesses. Litter picking, woodland management and path maintenance are just some of the tasks undertaken at Westburn. 5.12 Calderglen Conservation Volunteers In partnership with Calderglen Conservation Volunteers, the Countryside Ranger Service continues to support community efforts to remove INNS species from the ancient woodland sites at Calderglen Country Park. As part of this work there has been a major effort to remove large areas of snowberry and rhododendron from the native broadleaved woodland. Photo 10: A CAG poster from our Facebook page highlighting the continuing conservation work to control INNS at Calderglen Country park. Work will continue to remove INNS, to help restore the native woodland flora to help create a native understory and thriving field and ground layer within the broadleaved woodland at Calderglen. The volunteers have also been working to make their grasslands more insect friendly, as well as establishing a community orchard on site. 5.13 The Friends of Langlands Moss The Friends of Langlands Moss LNR are a group of volunteers who established to promote and protect the plight of this raised bogs. They work in partnership with SLC, NS and many other interested parties dedicated to improving the LNR. They run many activities, events and nature conservation days throughout the year and regularly attend conferences and speak about their work preserving peatlands. They have made significant improvements to the access network 32
Page 33
around the reserve, installing signage and interpretation boards to raising funds for the installation of a large boardwalk over the raised bog. Photo 11: The Friends of Langlands Moss community group gathered after a day of conservation work with Butterfly Conservation’s Bog Squad. Since 2015 they have worked with Butterfly Conservation’s Bog Squad conducting projects include, a peat depth survey, installing dams along the former commercial conifer plantation drainage ditches, to removing scrub and trees from the bog to improve the hydrology of the peatland. 5.14 Conservation Volunteering with CCI (Clydesdale Community Initiatives) The Countryside and Greenspace (CAG) continue to work with CCI to complete 363 volunteer days of work between March 2020 to March 2023. CCI offer a range of volunteering opportunities across Lanarkshire, work includes tree planting, thinning and woodland maintenance. 5.15 Greening Camglen Is a network of like minded organisations and groups working in Rutherglen and Cambuslang with the aim to promote environmentally positive activities and actions within the local area. The network has plans under various green themes and involves groups on key council sites such as the friends of Fernbrae Meadows, friends of Holmhills Wood and grow 73. 5.16 Managing and monitoring B-Line in Clyde Valley In 2019 South Lanarkshire Council Grounds Service Team and CAG worked with Buglife (The Invertebrate Conservation Trust) to improve 12 sites throughout Lanark, Kirkfieldbank and Crossford for pollinator species such as bees and hoverflies, staff and volunteers changed the management at the sites to increase the wildflower content within the grassland. Photo 12: One of our B-line sites at Castlebank Park, Lanark 33
Page 34
The project was funded by the Biodiversity Challenge Fund, due to be completed in 2020, extra funding allowed the work to be extended to 2021, which allowed us to sow more wildflowers at the sites. In 2022 and 2023 we have continued to monitor the development of these sites, recording species within the FIT Count app. 5.17 Helping Hands for Butterflies In partnership with Butterfly Conservation the “Helping Hands for Butterflies” was a three-year project that ended in October 2022 and engaged with over 700 people throughout the central belt of Scotland. The project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and NatureScot to create new habitats for butterflies in urban places. Photo 13: An example of one of the signs put in place at our Helping Hands for Butterfly sites, to raise awareness of the project. The project introduced the world of butterflies and moths to new volunteers, through training events and workshops to help people identify and monitor species. The project also aimed to create flower rich grasslands in urban parks that were specifically intended to help butterflies and moths. Management plans were created for each site, with four main aims to reduce the cutting, remove the cuttings, plant yellow rattle for the first year, then plant with butterfly friendly species. As the meadows developed over the three years, field trips and workshops were arranged with volunteers to record the invertebrates. An interesting discovery was made at Stonefield Park, where dozens of large predatory wasps (Amblyteles armatorious) were observed flying through the long grass. This species hunts large caterpillars especially the large yellow underwing moth, which was subsequently recorded in later surveys. Throughout the project, the plant and insect diversity of all the meadow sites has increased dramatically. All of them now have at least five different species of flowering plants, attracting a variety of butterflies, moths and other wildlife as the habitats develop. Three sites were chosen in South Lanarkshire at Stonefield Park and Hunthill Road community orchard in Blantyre and Bothwell Park, in Hamilton. Staff and volunteers help create and improve these sites for invertebrates removing the cutting to reduce the nutrient content going back into the soils and the addition of wildflower seed. The council will maintain and expand the three project sites for wildlife. A full report and films of the project highlights produced by Butterfly Conservation can be found on their webpage (see link above). 5.18 Corporate Volunteering Over the last few years, various companies and businesses have volunteered to carry out conservation work within the LNR’s. 34
Page 35
These have included: Scottish Power and Microsoft Business Solutions: at South Haugh, Terenus Land and Water Ltd: at Udston and Glenlee Woods. McLaughlin and Harvey Construction Ltd, Cambuslang Fire Service and Westburn Nursery Staff, at Westburn and The Edrington Group helping in the orchard in Blantyre. Photo 14: One of our local businesses (The Edrington Group) volunteering at Milheugh LNR. 5.19 Control of INNS within Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) CAG continue to work with NatureScot and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) on a programme to tackle INNS within the SSSI areas, at Bothwell Woods and Low Parks in Hamilton. Session have taken place throughout 2021 to 2023 to remove rhododendron at Bothwell and Himalayan balsam at Low Parks. 5.20 Community Outdoor Play These groups had initial funding and mentoring mainly through The Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership Legacy fund (replaced by Community Action Lanarkshire) and now run their own outdoor play sessions in LNR’s and greenspaces throughout South Lanarkshire: • Little Sapling and Mighty Oaks: at Stonehouse Park LNR. • Wild About Sandford. • Wild About Lanark: at Lanark Loch and racecourse • Bothwell Road Action group: at Backmuir LNR, this group has ongoing support from the Countryside Ranger service. • Wild About East Kilbride. • St Nicholas Playgroup and Toddlers at Delves Park, Lanark. 5.21 School Partnerships Education Resources support a wide range of partnerships including Forest School, working with local groups and the development of orchard. Schools are active in engaging with their local communities and other partners in support of these initiatives. Growing up Wild-South Lanarkshire was funded by SLC (through the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership Legacy Fund), NatureScot Outdoor Learning in Nature-OLIN fund and the William Grant Foundation. The project was co-ordinated through SLC CAG. It involved working with seven schools and two community groups to support the development of outdoor learning, Forest School and community play in local woodlands. Part of the learning process covered the importance of woodlands for biodiversity. Staff and volunteer training and starter outdoor play kits were offered to each establishment to build capacity of these groups to run their own programmes. 375 people participated with St Paul’s Primary and Holycross High now run their own Forest school programmes. Case studies from NatureScot’s website can be found using this link. 5.22 Food Growing The Amenity Service team are working with associations and groups on a range of formal allotment and informal community growing projects. Where possible sustainable growing 35
Page 36
methods are incorporated, and advice is given on how to improve biodiversity beyond food growing. The Food Growing Strategy (2020-25) and the Food Growing annual report (2021-22) has a section of biodiversity and the environment and highlights the work done at various allotments for nature. Allotment holders are provided with information and are encouraged to improve their site for biodiversity. Existing food growing sites already contribute positively to biodiversity, and when developing new sites, consideration is made for green corridors for wildlife and havens for insects and pollinator species. For example, at Lammermoor in East Kilbride the site has been designed to incorporate a sustainable drainage system, to collect water and channel it into an attenuation pond. This will enable the improvement of the landscape to include wildflowers to attract pollinators and pond plant to improve the wetland area to hopefully attract frogs, toads and newts to the site. Recent projects include: • Planted two small orchards in Cambuslang Park (LNR) and Castlebank Park. • Addition of six trees in Whitegate Orchard in Milheugh LNR, in Blantyre. • Provided wildflower seed to all council managed allotment sites and some community growing sites for pollinator species. • Supplied seed for window boxes and herbs to 55 groups and primary schools, who are participating in a council run food growing scheme. • Planted 800 trees in 13 covid memorial orchards in 11 district parks and two country parks. • Established a link between GreeningCamglen with EK Development Trust to co- ordinate seed exchange. • East Kilbride Development Trust issued 2500 seed packs to schools and community organisations. • Grow 73 / Healthy n Happy distributed grow at home packs to schools and community groups in Rutherglen. Photo 15: The community orchard “Whitegate” at Milheugh LNR. 5.23 Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve This composite NNR comprises six sites which are managed by their respective owners: SLC, SWT and NatureScot. The sites are managed under joint objectives; members of staff attend regular steering group meetings. The management plan (2017-27) sets out objectives and actions for the sites, including the following objectives: • To maintain a naturally dramatic semi natural gorge woodland. • To maintain and enhance biodiversity on the reserve. • To encourage research, survey and monitoring appropriate to the reserve. • To increase awareness and understanding of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR. 36
Page 37
CAG conservation volunteers continued to fell trees as part of conifer removal and general tree thinning within the NNR, allowing more light into the woodland floor. We have planted oak trees and plan to plant some hazel. Bluebells have been observed spreading in this section since trees have been thinned. A report of a sighting of red squirrels has prompted rangers to start some monitoring with trail cameras to see if we do indeed have new visitors. Photo 16: Bluebells at Mauldslie woods. 5.24 Windfarm habitat management As part of windfarm development, many of which are in upland area, large areas of land are covered by Habitat Management Plans. These aim to improve habitat such as woodland and peatland for species including black grouse and hen harrier. In South Lanarkshire over 11,000ha (approximately 6.3% of the total land area) is managed in this way. Staff from SLC and organisations including NatureScot, RSPB and FLS are involved with various stages of wind farm development and sit on steering groups with landowners and operators to ensure effective habitat management on these sites. 5.25 Education in Greenspaces The Countryside Ranger Service continue to support schools to connect with their local greenspaces, provide advice and signpost to available resources. 5.26 Glasgow and Clyde Valley (GCV) Green Network We continue to work in partnership with GCV establishing the Clyde Climate Forest and the Clyde Peatlands, as part of their Green Network Blueprint and Strategic Habitat Network. In January 2023, GVC received funding from NatureScot to support a green network regional grassland project, to conduct a study to assess the extent and condition of all species rich grassland across the Glasgow region. 5.27 Scottish Badgers Countryside and Greenspace have been working in partnership with Scottish Badgers and Police Scotland to provide basic training on sett identification in the Lanarkshire area. Training included general natural history and a history of how organised crime and wildlife crime against large mammals can be closely linked, plus updates on legislation on what constitutes a sett in current use. 5.28 Workforce development Members of staff across the council have attended various conferences, webinars and training events provided by external organisations. The Countryside and Greenspace Team regularly attended conferences and training courses provided by many external organisations to improve their knowledge and understanding of biodiversity: over the past three year we have attended course from Butterfly Conservation, Green Action Trust, Buglife, Plantlife, Greenspace Scotland, Paths for All, Bat Conservation Trust, Froglife, Scottish Government and NatureScot. 37
Page 38
Photo 17: Teachers from High Blantyre Primary School, taking part in a training session by CAG staff at Greenhall, Milheugh and Barnhill LNR. CAG continue to work in partnership with Butterfly Conservation and the BogSquad to deliver workshops, provide training on surveying, monitor species to improve habitats for invertebrates, practical conservation work and demonstrations. We have also provided teacher training to help them to discover more about their local greenspace sites and encourage them to utilise the space for outdoor learning and discover nature. Many of our volunteers who have expanded their knowledge, skills and experience over the years working in our LNRs’ and greenspaces have gone on to study science, ecology or environmental science at universities and colleges. The work experience gained form volunteering with CAG has helped some people into employment, many within the environmental sector. The Countryside Ranger Service have been supporting UWS (University of the West of Scotland) Applied Bioscience and Zoology degree course careers programme for a few years, including hosting a student work placement. This allows someone with a relevant qualification to obtain an understanding of the tasks and challenges involved in working to conserve and promote biodiversity in South Lanarkshire. Having links with a local university and working with student volunteers also has a benefit in that we are more closely involved with scientific research on our sites and have an excellent exchange of information. The Countryside and Greenspace Team provide advice regarding biodiversity issues to colleagues within South Lanarkshire Council. The Biodiversity Officer attends and is in contact with the local biodiversity action plan officer network, they meet twice a year to share and learn from good practice examples. 6. Research and monitoring 6.1 Biological recording We work with Glasgow Museums Biological Record Centre (GMBRC) in collating and sharing biological data, to help us to improve our understanding of the natural environment. Data gathered from monitoring and surveying is sent to the National Biodiversity Network (NBN). We monitor for various national programs; British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Wetlands Bird Survey (WeBS), Scottish Badgers, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Plantlife and Butterfly Conservation. 38
Page 39
Photo 18: Large Heath Butterfly discovered at Langlands Moss LNR during a butterfly and moth training day in 2022. For the past fifteen years we have monitored two butterfly transects at Low Parks in Hamilton and Langlands Moss in East Kilbride LNRs, the latter supports a population of Large Heath butterflies. More recently in 2021, two more butterfly transects have been established with the local community at Fernbrae Meadows and Morgan Glen LNR’s. A heronry count takes place at Low Parks SSSI between February and October, the information gathered from this survey guides management of the woodland in which they nest. Since 2007 CAG have carry out two annual bat surveys at Calderglen Country Park, monitoring the populations of Daubenton’s and pipistrelle bats along the Calder Water. We regularly survey for species within our LNR’s to monitor for a particular species of interest or protected species, gathering information for conservation projects and assess the need for future management. For the past five years we have been surveying and assessing our potential LNCS throughout South Lanarkshire. On the day of the survey, we gather information on habitat type, condition, species lists, we also note dangerous trees, ash dieback, access issues, site problems and recommendations for conservation management. The Countryside Ranger Service regularly monitor our greenspaces throughout South Lanarkshire, noting any issues, disturbances, and potential threats. They work with local volunteers, schools, and universities to actively encourage citizen science within our LNR’s and local greenspaces. A few of our local nature reserves have been host to several university undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. We have provided background information, species data, and arranged site visits. Speckled Wood Monitoring As we experience more changes in climate, CAG is anticipating changes in populations of butterfly species moving into the South Lanarkshire area. Speckled wood butterfly have been spotted in isolated areas, and with Redlees Urban Park being one of them, several volunteers, and members of Butterfly Conservation Scotland have been monitoring the site as part of a transect, plus monitoring the area for any casual records. British Dragonfly Society CAG has established a partnership with the British Dragonfly Society, studying and raising awareness of the variety of Odonata species on our doorstep. We have good sites at a few of our Local Nature Reserves, namely Redlees Urban Park, Holmhills Wood Community Park, and James Hamilton Heritage Park. Although some of the sites are in very urban areas, it is still worthwhile to encourage people to explore and learn about the local wildlife and working with specific organisations allows us to do this. 39
Page 40
6.2 Environmental data Environmental data is collated and presented in the State of the Environment Report (SOE) for South Lanarkshire every two years. The report is formally approved by the council’s Executive Committee and its key findings are presented to various forums, including the Corporate Management Team, Resource Management Team, and partnership groups. The report has ten chapters, one of which is dedicated to biodiversity, flora, and fauna. Monitoring relevant to biodiversity from the 2023 edition of the SOE report is provided below. This shows that there has been an improvement in South Lanarkshire in relation to LNRs and woodland cover. 6.3 The following diagram shows changes in the most relevant environmental issues and indicators between 2011 and 2021, identified in the respective SOE reports. The boxes highlighted in yellow show changes between 2019 to 2021. There has been continuous improvement and stabilisation across these indicators. A summary of the indicators used in assessing the state of South Lanarkshire is presented, highlighting the current status of each indicator and the directional trend. G Good F Fair Improving No change P Poor Limited data Deteriorating Note: The most recent data available was used in assessing the environmental indicators Indicator Current status Trend direction Explanation Designated areas F Not many sites have been surveyed since the previous report. Although there has been some isolated improvement, in general the condition of the designated features remains similar to previous reports. Local Nature Reserves G The council has designated 16 new LNRs and an extension to Langlands Moss. Native woodland F Although total native woodland cover is increasing, further work is required to improve connectivity of habitats, expanding native broadleaf woodland cover. Ancient woodland F There is no change in the area of ancient semi-natural woodland cover. There is limited data on the overall condition of this habitat. Peatland There is insufficient data on the overall condition of raised and blanket bogs across the area, with a number of designated sites recorded as unfavourable. 7. Biodiversity highlights and challenges The Council has undertaken many projects and activities to conserve biodiversity, as detailed within this report. The following examples highlight some of the work we are most proud of. 7.1 Designation of 16 new Local Nature Reserves in South Lanarkshire and doubling the size of the original LNR. The main highlight since the last Duty Report must be the designation of sixteen new Local Nature Reserves and the extension of the original LNR at Langlands Moss from 20ha to 40ha in April 2022. The CAG team worked in partnership with NatureScot, the planning team, and many other council resources over the past six years to achieve this goal. The process included a consultation process producing a mains report with the local community, working with friend’s groups, and other interest groups to producing individual site surveys and draft management statements. We now have 17 LNR’s in South Lanarkshire, increasing the total area covered by this designation from 20 ha to 610 ha. 40
Page 41
A brief description of some of the biodiversity projects that have taken place at our LNR’s: 7.2 Greenhall, Milheugh and Barnhill LNR SLC continue to work in partnership with the Friends of Calder community group at the LNR in Blantyre. Since the last duty report an additional six trees, three planters, composter and a large bug hotel have been added to the community orchard. The orchard is a great resource for the local community and the pupils of the local primary and nursery schools. The site is maintained by SLC Unpaid Work Service and SLC Grounds Services team. Photo 19: Butterfly Conservation hosting a butterfly and moth workshop at Greenhall, Milheugh and Barnhill LNR. Photo 20: The annual bat walk is one of the many events CAG and the Friends of the Calder organise at the LNR. In 2022 improvements for biodiversity were made in a large expanse of amenity grassland at Greenhall, two large wildflower meadows have been created and approximately 900 trees have been planted to improve the diversity of trees and to expand the woodland connecting to the existing mature woodland and parkland trees. The Butterfly Conservation (BC) project ‘helping hands for butterflies’ established a wildflower meadow in the Milheugh part of the reserve, this has been maintained by the volunteers, as part of the project BC providing two training days for the local community, providing practical advice on maintaining the meadow and skills for surveying for invertebrates. The Countryside Rangers and the Friends of the Calder continue to promote and enhance the biodiversity of the site, through events and activities throughout the year, from tree planting, meadow creation, woodland management, INNS removal, bat walks and river dipping. 41
Page 42
7.3 Langlands Moss LNR Peatland Restoration Project In early 2020 Langlands Moss LNR underwent a dramatic transformation as part of a £202,000 peatland restoration project in partnership with Green Action Trust (GAT) and NatureScot (NS). A feasibility survey was commissioned by SLC in 2018 through NatueScot’s Peatland Action fund to determine the potential of the site for eco-hydrological restoration. A large conifer plantation stood to the north and west of the raised bog and the survey found sections of deep peat underneath this plantation. The average peat depth was found to be 139cm, with deeper pockets of over nine metres. The volume of peat equates to 298,199.6m3 with an estimated carbon content of 28,925 tonnes of carbon. With this evidence from the study, we decided to remove the large stand of conifer trees and dam the drains associated with the forestry plantation, with the aim to increase the water level in and around the raised bog. Photo 21: Contractor installing peat dams at Langlands Moss LNR. The project involved removing an area of 20.15ha of over mature conifer trees, a protected species survey, removal of brash from the surface of the peat, the installation of 21 peat dams and five bunds, resulting in installing approximately 278 metres length of dams at the reserve. By felling the conifer trees and blocking the associated drainage ditches, we are allowing the water table to rise back to its natural level, preventing the underlying peat from drying out and, in time, restore the growth of sphagnum mosses to make the peat an active carbon sink. Restoring the bog will support the council’s commitment to combating climate change, it will also lead to a much more diverse, attractive, and accessible recreational facility for the people of East Kilbride. In 2021, we found that some of the plastic dams had become damaged, failing to retain the water. So, in 2022 with GAT and advice from NS we employed a contractor to reprofile the failing dams with peat. Photo 22: The new peat dams retaining water within the reserve. 42
Page 43
Photo 23: A view over the raised bog at the reserve, more wet pools forming over the bog since the addition of the peat dams. We continue to monitor the regrowth of the vegetation on the felled conifer area through fixed- point photography, quadrats and an annual vegetation survey. A butterfly transect runs through Langlands Moss, since the removal of the trees the number of butterflies and moths recorded at the reserve has increased significantly. CAG and the Friends of Langlands Moss continue to improve the reserve for wildlife, repairing any damage dams, removing scrub and trees from the peatland to improving the grasslands with the addition of wildflower seed and plugs. 7.4 Neilsland and Earnock - Drawing on Greenspaces Connecting people and places in a unique and creative way “Drawing on Green Spaces” a community art project supported by Creative Scotland and SLC CAG. A local artist explored the plants and greenspaces around the Neilsland and Earnock LNR. Through botanical art, photographs and mixed media pieces, The local artist engaged residents to help them discover, understand, and conserve our local biodiversity. The culmination of the project was an exhibition of biodiversity themed artwork and workshops held in the Low Parks Museum in Hamilton. Photo 24: One of the exhibitors with her work from ‘Drawing on Greenspaces’ on show at Low Parks Museum. 7.5 Outdoor Learning – supporting educators. In 2022 funding obtained through NatureScot was secured to run a pilot program to support local teacher to discover Neilsland and Earnock LNR. The pilot project worked to deliver appropriate training for the teachers from the surrounding primary and nursery schools, to make them more knowledgeable about their local greenspace and to provide them with the skills that would enable them to visit and use the area for outdoor learning, both sustainably and with 43
Page 44
confidence with their pupils. 80 children and ten staff took part in the pilot, training included practical skills and various outdoor activities to highlight the benefits of children connecting with nature and outdoor learning. Funding is available for another year, where we hope to repeat on the success of this project in another LNR in South Lanarkshire. 7.6 Blantyre, Bothwell and Uddingston (BBU) LNR In November 2022, the BBC Landward programme visited Redlees Urban Park (which is located within the LNR), to film the ancient woodland practice of coppicing hazel. Green Aspirations Scotland manage the hazel woodland at the reserve. Photo 25: BBC Landward recording at Reedlees Urban Park. BBU is centred around the river Clyde, so as a result has a lot of issues with INNS, such as Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam. Supporters of the LNR have been assisting with a programme of Himalayan balsam removal at certain key sites, to observe the effects of this control on native species. Rhododendron is also a problem in the SSSI woodland so seasonally appropriate control is undertaken too. No volunteers or CAG staff use chemical for this work, SLC Ground Services team have experimentally undertook some larger scale control of Japanese Knotweed using an herbicide foam application. Photo 26: Removing INNS at Bothwell. 7.7 Udston and Glenlee - Wildflower Meadow Creation In autumn of 2022, an area of Glenlee (Udston and Glenlee Woods) was identified for wildflowers. An area of over 1500 square metres was cut, raked off and planted with wildflowers. The meadow will continue to be managed and surveyed from now on. 44
Page 45
7.8 Milton Woods LNR A site of a former brick and tile works on the outskirts of Carluke. Identified by SLC as vacant and derelict land, it is around 14 hectares in size and was inaccessible to the local community. The site supported a mosaic of habitats from bare and previously disturbed ground of the former brick works, semi-improved neutral grassland, marshy grassland, scrub, broadleaved woodland, and open water associated with the former clay pits. The site supports scrubby willow and birch woodland, which appears to have naturally regenerated following the abandonment of the tile works and tip; rank grassland and tall ruderal vegetation dominate the remaining areas. There were several large stands of Japanese knotweed and snowberry on the site. Photo 27: One of the boreholes at Milton Woods newly renovated LNR. In 2020 / 21, significant site works were undertaken at Milton thanks to the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund. Three new access points were created, one of which has parking spaces. Paths and boardwalks were installed along with benches and a central design incorporating reclaimed bricks in a Celtic knot pattern. Drainage has been improved throughout the site and a dipping platform was installed at the larger pond. Wildflower seeds were sown in many areas to help improve both grassland diversity and pollinator habitats. This new LNR now provides a much- welcomed asset to the local community. In June 2022 CAG were invited to present a poster for the Brownfield Biodiversity Conference organised by Glasgow Natural History Society and the University of Glasgow. We were then invited to submit an article in February 2023 for The Glasgow Natural History Society journal The Glasgow Naturalist. The article described the transformation of four former brownfield sites in South Lanarkshire, which have recently been designated as Local Nature Reserves, with reference to their importance for biodiversity, recreation, and education. 7.9 Fernbrae Meadows In 2021 a group of volunteers came together to devise a new butterfly transect for Fernbrae Meadows. Joining in training online with Butterfly Conservation and SL Countryside Rangers. The Lunchtime Heroes sessions gives people a chance to gather once a fortnight to participate in conservation tasks including citizen science, removal of invasive species, litter-picking and removing guards from newly planted trees. 45
Page 46
Photo 28: One of the many wildflower meadows improved for wildlife at Fernbrae Meadows. The health walks and buggy walks continue to run giving people a chance to experience nature close to home. Some of the walkers at Fernbrae Meadows produce several film clips talking about what nature means to them. Project 31 hold outdoor play sessions, the local nurseries and primary schools regularly visit Fernbrae Meadows using the outdoor space for play and learning. The Friends of Fernbrae Meadows and CAG support many events throughout the year exploring the ponds, gardening sessions in the allotments, creating new habitats to removing INNS. They continue to work on the meadow reducing the nutrient levels, harvesting seed, and learning about meadow as a habitat. In Spring 2023, CAG and volunteers started to monitor the 400m hedgerow which runs across the centre of the reserve. Using the Healthy hedgerows app and the Great Hedgerow Survey we were able to access the health of the hedgerow and with the community produce a plan to maintain and improve it for wildlife. As part of the NRF 15kg of urban pollinator wildflower seed was sown in one of the five new wildflower meadow areas improved for nature at the reserve. 7.10 Morgan Glen LNR The ranger service provides six conservation days a year at Morgan Glen with Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI), a social inclusion charity supporting those facing barriers, to contribute to their local community. Volunteers come along and make a connection with the Glen helping to make improvements for access and biodiversity. Lunchtime Heroes sessions are offered at the reserve once a fortnight where people can participate in conservation and citizen science tasks. Local photographers and natural history enthusiasts share their wildlife images regularly on social media, giving local people an awareness and appreciation of the wildlife on their doorstep. In Spring 2023 the community joined the countryside ranger for a Spring Walk in the Glen seeing the wide variety of wildflowers in their splendour. The ranger created a wildflower wander walk on the app Go Jauntly allowing people to go on a self-guided spring tour. This was the first in a series of seasonal walks. St Mary’s PS use the site regularly with Eolas Outdoor Learning for Forest School. The children set up a trail camera in the Glen with the Forest School Leader and captured images of wildlife. Robert Smillie PS is about to commence Forest School and the site is also used by Happy Feet Nursery and the SLC Specialist School Support Team. The teachers leading the sessions are keen to monitor their impact and have provided bat boxes for the site. Youth Family and Community Learning brought a group of young people out throughout summer 2021 working towards their John Muir Award with the countryside ranger. Over the weeks they participated in the Big Butterfly Count, audited the health of the river and walked to 46
Page 47
Chatelherault Country Park to see how Morgan Glen fitted into a wider green network. In Spring 2023 they brought a group of young people form Larkhall Academy to learn how to use woodland resources and take care of the space. The BBC’s My Kind of Town featured Morgan Glen and the Nature Discovery, Nature Recovery programme as part of our Get Outdoors project. Activities have included nature play with families and the Machan Trust, visits with youth, family and community learning, storytelling and regular conservation days. Photo 29: BBC My Kind of Town at Morgan Glen LNR August 2022. 7.11 Smarter Choice, Smarter Places Fund (SCSP) A partnership project between South Lanarkshire Countryside and Greenspace (CAG) and Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLAN) arising from the Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership (LGHP). In response to Covid19, the LGHP developed the Get Outdoors Lanarkshire website and Facebook page as a way of supporting health and wellbeing through nature connection. Through funding from South Lanarkshire Council and Smarter Choices Smarter Places during 2022-23 the programme was extended to include on the ground activity designed to connect communities to their Local Nature Reserves (LNR’s). This was through a combination of engagement activities including community mapping through the GoJauntly App, public and schools’ guided walks, woodland play sessions, arts, storytelling, nature connection sessions and conservation volunteering to manage sites for biodiversity and access. The project reached out to 1860 people through 195 events and activities within nine different greenspaces. The walks highlighted the GoJauntly app to create walking routes and highlight natural features and biological interest in the greenspaces and LNRs. Several films were produced via SCSP highlighting the projects and wildlife found within the LNR’s: Jock's Burn LNR nature on your doorstep Backmuir woods LNR 7.12 Jock’s Burn LNR Walking for Wellbeing was launched at Jock’s Burn in November 2021, to provide an opportunity for social connection and wellbeing activity after successive lockdowns. After an initial pilot, the walk was relocated to Milton Tileworks to accommodate people with limited mobility and a wheelchair user and subsequently a baby buggy. Thirty-five people have attended in total with a regular attendance of around twelve people, around half managing serious health conditions. All reported improved wellbeing after each walk and an increase in their walking or spending time outdoors in nature. The majority reported that they did not walk regularly before the sessions. A positive outcome is that Countryside Ranger-led walks now only happen monthly, but the group meet independently on a weekly basis. Regular walkers are volunteering to litter pick and interested in making site biodiversity improvements. Recently Paths for All have worked with the group to support this and pilot their Nature Connectedness Placemaking Toolkit. As a result, the Paths for All artist in residence will also work with the group on a bird box and biodiversity project. 47
Page 48
7.13 Supporting Educators in LNR’s Supporting Educators in LNR’s is a collaboration between NatureScot, SLC Education, CAG, and local schools in Hamilton to support outdoor learning and teacher training within Neilsland and Earnock LNR. The aim of the training and support is to acquaint teaching staff with to make them more knowledgeable about their local greenspace, with the aim of building school’s capacity to participate in outdoor learning. The success of the pilot means it has been extended to 2023/24 to encourage engagement at more LNR’s across South Lanarkshire. 7.14 Clutha Archaeology An archaeological dig undertaken by Clutha Archaeology volunteers and Archaeology Scotland at Chatelherault Country Park and Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR helped our community volunteers explore the links between our ancient woodlands and the historic environment. Clutha archaeology continue to work with CAG on a project to map and document all our newly designated LNRs. 7.15 Cadzow Community Corps The Cadzow Community Corps a group of volunteers who meet twice a week at Chatelherault Country Park, in Hamilton. They became constituted in 2019 originally named the Cadzow Crew, in 2021-22 they accumulated 459 volunteer days and in 2022-2023 746 volunteer days. Work includes gardening, woodworking, planting trees and woodland management. 7.16 Froglife At the time of drafting this report we are working in partnership with Froglife to improve four of our LNR’s for amphibians. The conservation project has been funded through NatureScot ‘s Nature Restoration Fund. Suitable locations with Fernbrae Meadows, Westburn, Langlands Moss LNR’s and Chatelherault Country Park have been identified where we can create new ponds and improve existing areas of open water for nature. Management plans have been produced for each of the site and the council have a commitment to manage the ponds for wildlife. The work is due to start winter 2023/24. 7.17 Pollinator boost: New Bee and Butterfly border at Calderglen Zoo gardens: One of Calderglen Zoos traditional herbaceous borders has been transformed into a pollinator heaven, targeting bees, butterfly, and moth species, guided by expert advice from the Butterfly Conservation Society. The planting provides butterflies with food, shelter, and environments in which to lay their eggs. This incorporated a balanced mixture of both ornamental and wild spe- cies to create a beautiful space full of nectar-rich plants, featuring various trees, shrubs, and herbaceous planting. 7.18 Challenges We are aware that there are challenges to conserving biodiversity. While there are challenges to protect biodiversity, there are many more benefits, including those with cross-cutting benefits. For example, the protection and improvement of peatlands has benefits for wildlife; it also contributes to the mitigating effects of climate change and reducing flood risk. Changes to budget and staff levels over the past few years have highlighted the importance of working with local communities and external organisations to further our aims, funding, and allow us to work on national and larger scale projects. This has become a key element of how we work, and we consider it to be a strategic factor in how we will continue to develop our partnership and project work in the future. 48
Page 49
The following list highlights specific concerns that have been raised by various council services. 7.19 Decline in resources including staff numbers. 7.20 Carrying out strategic control of INNS with multiple landowners. This is to become more problematic as species continue to spread, the long-term funding and potential ban on glyphosate herbicide use. 7.21 Being able to fulfil community expectations and promote our work. 7.22 Growing cost of locally produced food and packaging. 7.23 With increasing emphasis on use of the outdoor, especially in relation to outdoor learning and play, there will be a potential impact on local greenspaces. 7.24 Ability to develop wide scale partnerships involving external partners, non-government agencies and private landowners to further biodiversity projects on an ecosystem scale. 7.25 Potential and unknow factors that will affect decision making, budgets, subsidies in the future, as a result of leaving the European Union. 7.26 The ability to encourage, implement and monitor biodiversity inclusion, mitigation, and compensatory works within developments. 7.27 Meeting the demand for new housing and minimising the impact this has on local biodiversity. Careful planning and close working relationships between developers and those with an understanding of biodiversity will be required to carefully manage this potential conflict. 7.28 Finding funding for the development of allotments and growing sites to meet demand. 7.29 The impacts of climate change and pollution on biodiversity, infrastructure, and health. 7.30 Having an impact on the scale and gravity of the nature and climate crisis. 7.31 Maintaining regenerated sites once the initial funded maintenance period is complete. 7.32 Balancing expectations of communities with regards to greenspaces; finding a place for biodiversity where site management has previously been more formal and intense. 49
Page 50
8. Contribution to biodiversity targets The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 Tackling the Nature Emergency sets out clear ambition for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030 and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045. Our vision is: By 2045, Scotland will have restored and regenerated biodiversity across our land, freshwater and seas. Our natural environment, our habitats, ecosystems and species, will be diverse, thriving, resilient and adapting to climate change. Regenerated biodiversity will drive a sustainable economy and support thriving communities, and people will play their part in the stewardship of nature for future generations. The Strategy contains 26 of the most urgent priority actions which will put us on track for halting the loss of biodiversity and being nature positive by 2030. South Lanarkshire council’s overall activities that contribute to Scotland’s National Biodiversity targets are indicated in the list below: Priority Action from the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 Chapter 1: Accelerate restoration • Introduce a programme of ecosystem restoration. • Implement Scottish Plan for INNS surveillance, prevention and control, and secure wider support measures to enable effective INNS removal. Chapter 2. Expand and connect protected areas and improve their condition. • Expand our protected areas to at least 30% of the land. • Ensure we secure positive effects for biodiversity from our National Planning Framework (NPF4). • Ensure that every local authority area has a nature network improving ecological connectivity across Scotland. • Realise the potential of National Nature Reserves as key assets for increasing ecological connectivity. Chapter 3. Nature-friendly farming, fishing and forestry • Ensure that productive forests and woodlands deliver increased biodiversity and habitat connectivity as well as timber production. Chapter 4. Recover and protect vulnerable and important species. • Continue effective species recovery, reintroduction, and reinforcement programmes. • Support surveillance and monitoring to support managing risks around pathogens and disease in wild bird populations. • Implement measure to protect and recover Scotland’s migratory fish populations. Chapter 5. Generate the investment needed to support nature recovery. • Maintain and seek to increase investment in nature restoration through the Nature Restoration Fund. • Investment in green skills and local economic opportunities supporting nature-based education, skills and volunteering. • Continue to develop and enhance the woodland and peatland carbon. 50
Page 51
Appendix 1: Acronyms BDIP Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan CAG Countryside and Greenspace Team CCI Clyde Community Initiatives CMT Corporate Management Team EIA Environmental Impact Assessment FOC Friends of the Calder FOLM Friends of Langlands Moss GAT Green Action Trust Ha Hectare HLF Heritage lottery Fund INNS Invasive non-native species LDP Local Development Plan LHS Local Housing Strategy LNCS Local Nature Conservation Sites LNR Local Nature Reserve NBN National Biological network NHS National Health Service NNR National Nature Reserve NRF Nature Restoration Fund NRP Nature Restoration Programme NS NatureScot RSPB Royal society for the Protection of Birds SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SEPA Scottish Environmental Protection Agency SHIP Strategic Housing Investment Plan SMID Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation SLBP South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership SLBS South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy SLC South Lanarkshire Council SLOAF South Lanarkshire Outdoor Access Code SOE State of the Environment Report SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest SUDS Sustainable (Urban) Drainage System TCV The Conservation Volunteers VDL Vacant and Derelict Land 51
Page 52
52
Page 53
Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 29 November 2023 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Public Bodies Climate Change Duties - Annual Report 2022/2023 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: - [purpose] Present the Council’s annual Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance report for 2022/2023, as legally required under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): - [recs] (1) that the Council’s annual Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance report for 2022/2023 be approved. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The statutory framework for climate action and reporting is outlined by the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and the Climate Change (Public Duties) (Scotland) Act. 3.2. Section 44 of Part 4 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 states that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act: in the way best calculated to contribute to the delivery of Scotland’s national emissions reduction targets. in the way best calculated to help deliver Scotland’s statutory climate change adaptation programme; and in a way that it considers is most sustainable. 3.3. Public bodies are required to prepare annual reports on their compliance with these duties and publish and submit these reports to the Scottish Government. 3.4. The Council has complied with the statutory reporting requirement every year since its introduction in 2015, however, has also been reporting climate change action on a voluntary basis since 2007 as a signatory of Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration. 4. Climate Change Duties Report 2022/2023 4.1. The report requires approval by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee to publish the report on the Council’s website and submit to the Scottish Government by 30 November 2023. 4 53
Page 54
4.2. The report is in a similar format as previous years and is based on a template issued by the Scottish Government. It contains six sections - 1 Profile of Reporting Body Provides a better understanding of the scale of activity of the body in addressing climate change in relation to its size 2 Governance, Management and Strategy Organisations should be able to demonstrate a robust system of governance, management and strategy in respect of duties, decision-making and leadership on climate action. 3 Emissions, Targets and Projects Provides data on corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from organisational activities including service delivery and the exercise of other functions 4 Adaptation Seeks to establish if the body has assessed the current and future risks climate change presents to its assets, infrastructure, service provision and business continuity. Reporting on action and capacity building; and monitoring and evaluating adaptation progress. 5 Procurement Clarify how sustainable procurement policy has had an impact on climate change reduction, reporting and compliance issues 6 Validation Demonstrating internal and/or external validation of data. 4.3. A copy of the Climate Change Duties report for 2022/2023 can be found at Appendix 1. 4.4. Some highlights from the 2022/2023 report include: There is a robust climate change and sustainability governance structure led by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee and supported by the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group. A Strategic Environmental Assessment process is in place that ensures that all plans, polices and strategies undergo an environment assessment which includes considering climatic factors. Carbon reductions of 65.7% have been reported in 2022/2023 compared to the baseline year of 2005/2006. The proportion of non-recyclable waste being sent to the Energy from Waste plant has increased, not only reducing landfilled waste but creating electricity and reducing carbon emissions. 16 new Local Nature Reserves sites have been developed encompassing a broad spectrum of habitats including ancient woodland, open water, wetlands, peatland and grassland; and South Lanarkshire Council continues to participate in the Climate Ready Clyde partnership which is a collaborative initiative with an adaptation strategy and action plan for the Glasgow City Region (which includes all South Lanarkshire’s rural and urban areas). 54
Page 55
4.5. The information contained in Section 3 of the report provides data on corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from organisational activities including service delivery and the exercise of other functions. It details the Council’s carbon footprint which is measured from five sources: energy consumption from buildings, disposal of household waste, energy consumption from street lighting, emissions associated with fleet and staff travel. 4.6. The information contained in Section 4 of the report details how the Council is assessing and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The strategies and plans relevant to this include the risk management strategy, business continuity plan, core path plan, local development plan and local transport strategy. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. The Council’s Sustainable Development Officer and Carbon Management Officer prepare the annual Climate Change Duties report in conjunction with relevant Council Resources. The statutory reporting regime has elevated the importance and accountability of climate change reporting within the Council. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. Collection of climate change information is a core management task and therefore is absorbed into the daily business operations. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. The Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy outlines the action to meet our climate change duties and has undergone a full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). This can be found on the Scottish Government’s SEA Gateway database. 8. Other Implications 8.1. The annual statutory reporting requirements have implications for all Resources; however, the following services will have more involvement: – Community and Enterprise Resources - Sustainable Development and Carbon Management, Fleet Services, Environmental Services, Roads and Transportation, Flood Risk Management, Street Lighting, Waste Services, Resilience Support, Countryside and Greenspace, Planning and Building Standards. Finance and Corporate Resources – Procurement, Finance (Capital Investment), Risk Management Housing and Technical Resources - Energy Management, Asset Management and Property Services. 8.2. ‘Failure to meet sustainable development and climate change objectives’ is one of the top risks for the Council. Without a plan in place and a financial plan to support it then this risk will continue to be one of the Council's top risks. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy; therefore, no impact assessment is required. The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022 to 2027 has undergone full Strategic Environmental Assessment and Equality Impact Assessments. 9.2. There was no requirement for consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. 55
Page 56
David Booth Executive Director 10 November 2023 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values Focused on people and their needs Fair, open and sustainable Priorities We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Outcomes Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References Climate Change and Sustainability Committee report, 9 November 2022, Public Bodies Climate Change Duties annual report 2021-22 List of Background Papers The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Name: Kathryn McCafferty Designation: Carbon Management Officer E-mail: kathryn.mccafferty@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 56
Page 57
Appendix 1 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance Report 2022/2023: South Lanarkshire Council If you need this information in another language or format, please contact us to discuss how we can best meet your needs. Phone 0303 123 1015 Email equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 57
Page 58
Part 1: Profile of reporting body 1(a) Name of reporting body South Lanarkshire Council 1(b) Type of body Local Government 1(c) Highest number of full-time equivalent staff in the body during the report year 12,364 1(d) Metrics used by the body Specify the metrics that the body uses to assess its performance in relation to climate change and sustainability Metric Unit Value Comments Population size served population 322,630 Figure taken from mid-year estimate Other (Please specify in the comments) other (specify in comments) 3.6 The Council's carbon footprint in tonnes per number of employees (per head) for 2022-23 1(e) Overall budget of the body Specify approximate £/annum for the report year £893,454,000 The budget represents the year end budget from our 2022-23 outturn report 1(f) Report year Financial (April 2022 to March 2023) 1(g) Context Provide a summary of the body’s nature and functions that are relevant to climate change reporting. South Lanarkshire is Scotland's fifth largest local authority in terms of population with 322,630 (2022 mid-year estimate) residents living with 151,587 households (2022 figure). The Council covers 180,000 hectares of land stretching from almost the centre of Glasgow to the Scottish Borders. The area has a mix of urban, rural, and former mining environments - almost 80% is classed as agriculture but 70% of the population live in the major settlements in the north. There are four towns in South Lanarkshire with a population of more than 20,000 (East Kilbride, Hamilton, Rutherglen and Cambuslang) and a further 23 towns and settlements with a population of over 1,000. South Lanarkshire is divided into 20 electoral wards which are represented by 64 Councillors who are responsible for agreeing the Council's plans and policies and deciding how the Council's budget should be spent. The Council provides services for everyone in this large and diverse geographical area from five Resources:- Community and Enterprise Resources - comprises various services operating from a wide variety of locations throughout South Lanarkshire. The diverse range of services contributes significantly to the quality of life experienced by both residents and visitors to South Lanarkshire. Activities include:- maintaining the road and active travel networks, waste disposal and recycling services, street cleaning and maintaining open spaces, promoting economic development, planning and building standards, environmental health, trading standards, facilities services within schools and council offices, bereavement services, fleet, and leading the development and promotion of sustainable development and climate change action. Education Resources – is South Lanarkshire Council’s biggest service. There are 51,187 young people attending nursery, primary, secondary and additional support needs schools in South Lanarkshire. Education is both a national and local priority. The service aims to raise achievement and attainment and improve young people’s health and wellbeing. The main focus is on raising standards, particularly in numeracy and literacy and in closing the gap between the most and least disadvantaged children so that every child has the same opportunity to succeed. Also, to provide young people with the necessary skills for life and work. 58
Page 59
Finance and Corporate Resources – provides the framework of support which allows the Council to deliver its wide range of services on behalf of local people. Services throughout the Resource include: - overseeing the Council’s budget, revenue, Customer Services Centre, digital transformation, human resources, registrars and licencing, audit, communications, and legal services Housing and Technical Resources – is the third largest social landlord in Scotland and delivers a range of key housing management, homelessness, and property and repairs services. Activities include: - managing a stock of 25,483 dwellings, support to prevent and alleviate homelessness, adapting homes for independent living, maintenance, repair and improvements to the Council’s properties and asset management. Social Work Resources – supports social welfare and provide effective care and support to meet the needs of vulnerable people in South Lanarkshire. Activities include assessment and support, targeted services for vulnerable children, young people and adults, providing care at home, community support services, respite and residential services and supporting carers. South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation delivering services on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council including the operation, management and development of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities, community halls, arts venues, country parks, libraries and museum services. The scope of South Lanarkshire Council's carbon footprint includes the energy used in our buildings, household waste sent to landfill and for processing/recycling, the fuel used in our fleet of vehicles, energy used for our street lighting and miles travelled as business travel. These are considered the most appropriate sources to measure with robust data collected and converted into carbon using the carbon conversion factors published each year by Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), formerly Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The data includes that of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture SCIO. 59
Page 60
Part 2: Governance, management and strategy 2(a) How is climate change governed in the body? Provide a summary of the roles performed by the body’s governance bodies and members in relation to climate change. If any of the body’s activities in relation to climate change sit outside its own governance arrangements (in relation to, for example, land use, adaptation, transport, business travel, waste, information and communication technology, procurement or behaviour change), identify these activities and the governance arrangements. Sustainable Development, including climate change duties compliance is a priority objective for the Council; this is reflected in the Council Plan and the Council's Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS). The climate change agenda is governed through the Council's Climate Change and Sustainability Committee which has decision making powers to help to accelerate the pace and scale of action needed in response to the climate emergency and meet challenging climate change national targets. The committee is supported by the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group which is made up of senior managers from all Council Resources and has responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the SDCCS; compliance with the climate change duties; embedding sustainable development within Council policy; and the scrutiny of performance monitoring reports. Progress on the Council's SDCCS and complying with our climate change duties are reported to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee biannually using IMPROVe (the Council's performance management system). The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Corporate Working Group is a cross-resource group that works together to ensure that all plans, polices and strategies undergo the SEA process which includes climatic factors. The SEA group feeds into the steering group and reports progress of the Council’s SEA process to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee. 60
Page 61
The following diagram outlines governance, management and strategy for the Council: - 61
Page 62
2(b) How is climate change action managed and embedded by the body? Provide a summary of how decision-making in relation to climate change action by the body is managed and how responsibility is allocated to the body’s senior staff, departmental heads etc. If any such decision-making sits outside the body’s own governance arrangements (in relation to, for example, land use, adaptation, transport, business travel, waste, information and communication technology, procurement or behaviour change), identify how this is managed and how responsibility is allocated outside the body Sustainable Development and Carbon Management sits within the Performance and Development Team of Community and Enterprise Resources. The Sustainable Development Officer and Carbon Management Officer have a strategic overview of the council's progress to reduce carbon emissions, climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability. The Performance and Development team work with all Council Resources to build capacity on climate change awareness. The Performance and Development team are responsible for developing the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS) and action plan in conjunction with all Resources. The SDCCS action plan is monitored and reported using the Council's IMPROVe system. The SDCCS action plan is reported bi-annually to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee using the progress update in IMPROVe. Many of the SDCCS actions are embedded in Resource and Service plans which results in many employees having climate change actions included in their key work objectives as part of their annual performance development review. The Council also has a ‘Behaviours Framework’ which sets out 5 key principles of how employees are expected to approach their work. The first principle is ‘Efficient’ which includes taking action to ensure sustainability and minimising environmental impact. Employees must evidence how they contribute to this principle as part of their annual review. The Behaviours Framework helps to embed sustainability and climate change consideration in the culture of the Council. The Council has corporate key performance measures that all Resources must comply with that contribute to meeting the climate change duties, these include reducing fuel vehicle emissions, reducing the use of single-use plastics and reporting new or ongoing sustainable development and climate change activity within the Resource. Each Resource reports progress on these measures, on a quarterly basis using IMPROVe, to each Resource’s committee. The Council has taken steps to further embed climate change action across the organisation. Staff engagement and awareness activities are ongoing including Keep Scotland Beautiful bespoke carbon literacy training for elected members and officers, the development of an e-learning module on climate change and sustainability, climate change and sustainability sessions in the management development programme and regular articles on the staff intranet. There is also an annual programme of events and campaigns focused on climate change including Earth Hour, Cycle to Work Week, Recycle Week, Climate Week, and Sustainable South Lanarkshire. The SEA Corporate Working Group provides a mechanism to liaise with council services to ensure that relevant plans, polices and strategies include the climate change duties considerations and any actions accordingly. The Sustainable Development Officer is also part of the Council's procurement network. The council’s sustainable procurement objectives, in accordance with the Sustainable Procurement Duty, are set out in the Procurement Strategy. 62
Page 63
The following diagram outlines how climate change is managed and embedded in the council:- 2(c) Does the body have specific climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives in its corporate plan or similar document? Provide a brief summary of objectives if they exist. Objective Doc Name Doc Link The Council Plan has 3 priorities – People, Progress and Planet. Planet – we need to work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places. We will act in ways that protect our natural world for a healthier future. We will work together to develop local solutions to protect nature and to take action on climate change and support our young people to lead the way. The Council’s Corporate Plan: Connect 2022– 2027-page 10 Plans and policies - South Lanarkshire Council 2(d) Does the body have a climate change plan or strategy? If yes, provide the name of any such document and details of where a copy of the document may be obtained or accessed. Executive Committee Chief Executive Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Executive Director of Education Resources Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources Executive Director of Housing and Technical Resources Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources Head of Service Performance and Development Team • Performance and Development Manager • Sustainable Development Officer • Carbon Management Development Officer Corporate Management Team Executive Director of Social Work Resources Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Corporate Working Group Climate Change and Sustainability Project Review Groups 63
Page 64
The Council's Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS) 2022-2027 has been prepared following extensive public consultation which helped to shape the strategic vision and themes of the strategy. It outlines the changes in sustainable development and climate change policy since the publication of the last strategy, and the Council's strategic priorities for sustainable development and climate change over the five-year period. This is the Council's fourth strategy, the first was published in 2007, and covers the actions taken throughout the reporting period FY 2022- 23. The main principles of the SDCCS are: • Promote opportunities to support climate change mitigation and adaptation. • Promote improvements in human health and wellbeing and reduce inequality across South Lanarkshire. • Promote the protection of a functioning environment. • Promote sustainable economic growth and sustainable communities • Promote the benefits of greenspace and biodiversity across urban and rural areas of South Lanarkshire. • Promote the benefits of sustainable development and infrastructure and encourage sustainable living. • Promote the importance of effective corporate and partnership working to achieve better outcomes for South Lanarkshire. The Council's Carbon Management Plan (CMP) 2018 details the drivers for reducing carbon emissions and how emissions have changed over the years. The Council's first CMP was published in 2008, with updates published in 2012, 2014 and 2016. The CMP is no longer published as a standalone document, and instead is incorporated into the new Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027. The Council also has an 'Environmental Statement' which is relevant for all employees and sets out the Council's environmental commitments as per the sustainable development and climate change strategy. Climate change is one of the key considerations in the statement and information is included on how employees can contribute to meeting the commitments. 2(e) Does the body have any plans or strategies covering the following areas that include climate change? Provide the name of any such document and the timeframe covered. Topic Document Link Time period Comments Adaptation Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Climate adaptation is embedded throughout the plan – in particular Policy 1 Spatial Planning, Policy 2 Climate Change, Policy 13 Green Network and Greenspace, and Policy 16 Water Environment and Flooding Adaptation Biodiversity Strategy Biodiversity strategy 2018 - 2022 Climate change adaptation is incorporated into Chapter 3: Our eco-systems and challenges Adaptation Local Transport Strategy Local transport strategy 2013 - 2023 LTS includes adaptation through Flood Risk Management 64
Page 65
Topic Document Link Time period Comments Adaptation Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022- 2027 Climate adaptation is embedded throughout the strategy Adaptation Local Flood Risk Management Plans (LFRMP) - Clyde and Loch Lomond, and Tweed Local flood risk management plan 2016 - 2022 The Flood Risk Management team also have 'Response to Flooding' procedures Business travel Air quality Action plan Air quality action plan The air quality action plan includes a number of measures to encourage a shift to walking, cycling and public transport instead of the reliance of private car Business travel Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022- 2027 Priority 4: Improve affordable, sustainable and accessible transport options Energy efficiency Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022- 2027 Priority 5: Progress a transition to net-zero, energy efficient and climate resilience homes, buildings and infrastructure Energy efficiency Local Housing Strategy Local Housing Strategy 2022- 2027 Chapter 2: Housing Quality, Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Fleet transport Air quality Action plan Air quality action plan South Lanarkshire provide fleet operators, including the council's own fleet, free access to assessment and tailored guidance to assist fleet operators in becoming more economic in terms of fuel, emissions and costs Fleet transport Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022- 2027 Priority 4: Improve affordable, sustainable and accessible transport options Land Use Core Paths Plan Core paths plan South Lanarkshire Council 2012 - 2022 The CPP provides easier access to the outdoors and the countryside and helps to promote active travel. Land Use Contaminated Land Strategy Contaminated Land Strategy The CLS provides opportunities for future 65
Page 66
Topic Document Link Time period Comments land use changes to mitigate the effects of climate change. Land Use Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Land use is featured throughout the LDP however the most relevant policies are Policy 1 Spatial Strategy Policy 2 Climate Change Policy 13 Green network and greenspace Land Use Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022- 2027 Priority 9: Enhance, protect, and respect the outdoors and the natural and historic environment Renewable energy Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Policy 1 Spatial Planning, Policy 2 Climate Change, Policy 18 Renewable Energy Renewable energy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022- 2027 Priority 5: Progress a transition to net-zero, energy efficient and climate resilience homes, buildings and infrastructure Staff Travel Employee Travel Plan Employee travel plan Published 2013 The staff travel plan was refreshed in March 2020 however was not published due to Covid- 19. Changes in working arrangements for employees will require the employee travel plan to be reviewed again Sustainable/ renewable heat Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Sustainable/renewable heat is included in Policy 2 climate change Sustainable/ renewable heat Local Housing Strategy Local Housing Strategy 2022- 2027 Chapter 2: Housing Quality, Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Waste management Local Development Plan Local development plan 2020 - 2025 Policy 2 Climate Change and Policy 18 Waste Waste management Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022- 2027 Priority 8: Take action to allow South Lanarkshire to become a zero-waste society Other (please specify in comments) Air quality Action plan Air quality action plan The air quality action plan includes a measure to incorporate green infrastructure integration to reduce emissions within air quality management areas 66
Page 67
Topic Document Link Time period Comments Other (please specify in comments) Procurement Strategy Procurement strategy 2020 - 2023 Sustainable Procurement - Includes contribution to sustainable procurement duty and the climate emergency 2(f) What are the body’s top 5 priorities for climate change governance, management and strategy for the year ahead? Provide a brief summary of the body’s areas and activities of focus for the year ahead. 1. Implement the 2023-24 action plan for the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2. Prepare a route map for reducing the council's direct and indirect carbon emissions to build on annual reductions to date 3. Develop a public engagement and communications plan. This will set out the Council’s overarching framework for engaging the people of South Lanarkshire in relation to sustainable development and climate change. 4. Further embed sustainable development and climate change into the Council’s decision-making process by implementing a Climate Impact Assessment for the capital programme and budget process. 5. Ensure sustainability development and climate change is embedded in all key strategy development including Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and Local Transport Strategy development. 2(g) Has the body used the Climate Change Assessment Tool (CCAT) (a) or equivalent tool to self-assess its capability - performance? If yes, please provide details of the key findings and resultant action taken. A self-evaluation using CCAT was carried out in June 2021 as part of the development of the next sustainable development and climate change strategy. The key findings are as follows: Overall results - Run 3 Organisation score Total score available Percentage score Traffic light assessment Governance 22 28 79% 79% Emissions 17 30 57% 57% Adaptation 20 27 74% 74% Behaviour 14 20 70% 70% Procurement 6 16 38% 38% Overall 79 121 65% 65% 67
Page 68
Focus areas continue to be Emissions and Procurement. Targets for direct emissions have now been set and a route map will be developed for future emission reductions. The Council is developing a five-year Procurement Strategy for 2023-2028 and one of the seven key objectives is sustainable procurement, incorporating the climate change duties. Focus will be given to progressing with sustainable procurement actions as identified through the Flexible Framework action plan; training opportunities on use of prioritisation and sustainability tools; updating the Sourcing Strategy to further embed sustainability measures from evaluation to contract management; and using the prioritisation tool undertake prioritisation assessments for construction, social care and information technology categories. 2(h) Supporting information and best practice. Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to governance, management, and strategy. A Climate Change and Sustainability Committee was established in 2019. This was in response to both the UK and Scottish Governments declaring a climate emergency in May 2019 and new national climate change targets introduced of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and 2045 respectively. To support the work of the committee a cross resource steering group was established to provide senior-level management and guidance on the actions required in the Council’s transition to a net- zero economy and society, help to build resilience to climate risks, and address the climate emergency. South Lanarkshire Council also participate in the Sustainable Scotland Network Local Authority Forum and have been an active member of the network with participation in both Finance and Reporting Action Groups and presenting at member events. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Governance Emissions Adaptation Behaviour Procurement Overall South Lanarkshire Council (Run 3) 68
Page 69
Part 3: Emissions, targets and projects 3a Emissions from start of the year which the body uses as a baseline (for its carbon footprint) to the end of the report year Reference Year Year Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total tCO2e Comments Baseline carbon footprint 2005- 06 42,014 50,836 63,115 155,965 Water is not included. Emission factors were set at baseline year and have not been updated for any subsequent year. Scope 1= buildings gas and oil and fleet; Scope 2= buildings and street lighting electricity; Scope 3=waste, staff travel. Year 1 2006- 07 40,119 49,806 61,956 151,881 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 2 2007- 08 39,655 52,085 59,597 151,337 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 3 2008- 09 38,168 52,797 56,658 147,623 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 4 2009- 10 41,637 50,846 52,349 144,832 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 5 2010- 11 40,263 50,645 50,356 141,264 Comment as above (in baseline year) Year 6 2011- 12 36,510 51,081 47,665 135,256 Water is not included. Emission factors were set at baseline year and have not been updated for any subsequent year. Scope 1= buildings gas and oil and fleet; Scope 2= buildings and street lighting electricity; Scope 3=waste, staff travel and pool cars. Year 7 2012- 13 39,999 53,216 46,226 139,441 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 8 2013- 14 37,119 51,383 47,513 136,015 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 9 2014- 15 35,269 47,850 42,084 125,203 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 10 2015- 16 35,498 45,071 39,707 120,276 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 11 2016- 17 34,017 38,950 37,927 110,894 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 12 2017- 18 34,599 36,860 42,656 114,115 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 13 2018- 19 32,863 35,378 31,942 110,183 Comment as above (in year 2011-12) Year 14 2019- 20 33,583 14,966 18,783 67,282 Water is not included. Emission factors are updated annually. Scope 1= buildings gas and oil and fleet; Scope 2= buildings and street lighting electricity; Scope 3=waste, staff travel and pool cars Year 15 2020- 21 32,530 12,256 9,805 54,591 Comment as above (in year 2019-20) 69
Page 70
Reference Year Year Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total tCO2e Comments Year 16 2021- 22 31,989 11,807 12,002 55,798 Comment as above (in year 2019-20) Year 17 2022- 23 32,869 11,781 8,904 53,554 Water is not included. Emission factors are updated annually. Scope 1= buildings gas and oil and fleet; Scope 2= buildings and street lighting electricity and EV pool cars; Scope 3=waste, staff travel (own cars). 3b Breakdown of emission sources Emission source Scope Consumption data Units Emissions (tCO2e) Units Source Grid Electricity (generation) 2 52,528,592 kWh 10,158 kg CO2e/kW h Buildings Grid Electricity (transmission and distribution losses) 3 52,528,592 kWh 929 kg CO2e/kW h Buildings Natural Gas 1 131,834,278 kWh 24,065 kg CO2e/kW h Buildings Gas Oil 1 3,720,132 kWh 955.3 kg CO2e/kW h Buildings Biomass 1 2,607,257 kWh 27.4 kg CO2e/kW h Buildings Diesel (average biofuel blend) 1 2,782,828 litres 7118 kg CO2e/litre Fleet Petrol (average biofuel blend) 1 93,220 litres 201.5 kg CO2e/litre Fleet Gas Oil 1 191,694 litres 528.8 kg CO2e/litre Fleet Small business travel car - Battery Electric Vehicle 2 614,124 kWh 44 kg CO2e/kW h Electric vehicles (Pool Cars) Average Car - Unknown Fuel 3 1,174,240 miles 322.5 kg CO2e/mil e Staff travel Grid Electricity (generation) 2 8,154,613 kWh 1,577 kg CO2e/kW h Street Lighting Grid Electricity (transmission and distribution losses) 3 8,154,613 kWh 144 kg CO2e/kW h Street Lighting Refuse Municipal to Landfill 3 13,286 tonnes 5,928 kg CO2e/ton ne Waste Refuse Municipal to combustion 3 74,260 tonnes 1,579 kg CO2e/ton ne Waste Refuse Municipal to mixed recycling 3 44,942 tonnes 956.4 kg CO2e/ton ne Waste 70
Page 71
Emission source Scope Consumption data Units Emissions (tCO2e) Units Source Refuse Municipal to composting 3 18,090 tonnes 161.2 kg CO2e/ton ne Waste Homeworking 3 14% workforce kWh 825.7 kg CO2e/FT E/ annum Estimated figure using PBDR Guidance Total 55,521.5 (Home working, biomass emissions and grid electricity (transmission and distribution losses) are included in 3b but not in 3a) 3c Generation, consumption and export of renewable energy. Provide a summary of the body's annual renewable generation (if any), and whether it is used or exported by the body. Renewable Electricity Renewable Heat Technology Consumed by organisation (kWh) Consumed by organisation (kWh) Comments Solar PV 1,124,387 63 sites with PV systems Biomass 2,607.257 49 sites with Biomass heating 3d Organisational Targets. List all of the body’s target of relevance to its climate change duties. Name of target Target Scope of target Baseline Year Baseline figures Target completion year Progress against target (2022/23 figure) Zero direct emissions Reduce to zero emissions Energy use in buildings (gas and oil) 2005/06 31,595 2037/38 25,020 Zero direct emissions Reduce to zero emissions Transport (fossil fuels for fleet vehicles) 2005/06 10,417 2037/38 7,848 Reducing indirect emissions Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Energy use in buildings (electricity) 2005/06 37,831 2045/46 10,158 Reducing indirect emissions Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Waste collected from households 2005/06 61,320 2045/46 8,625 Reducing indirect emissions Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Staff travel (travel in personal vehicles) 2005/06 1,795 2045/46 279 71
Page 72
Name of target Target Scope of target Baseline Year Baseline figures Target completion year Progress against target (2022/23 figure) Reducing indirect emissions Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Street lighting 2005/06 13,005 2045/46 1,577 Reduce overall carbon footprint Reduce to as close to zero as soon as possible Council carbon footprint 2005/06 155,965 2045/46 53,553 3da How will the body align its spending plans and use of resources to contribute to reducing emissions and delivering its emission reduction targets? All Council committee reports include a section on 'Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications' to ensure that these are fully assessed and taken into consideration when making decisions. The capital programme bid, and approval process includes an environmental assessment which ensures all environmental impacts, both positive and negative are considered when making decisions. The Annual Revenue Budget process includes information on the environmental impact of budget additions and the savings package, to ensure that the impact, positive or negative, is considered when making decisions. 3db How will the body publish, or otherwise make available, it's progress towards achieving its emissions reduction targets? Performance on all actions relating to the Council's Sustainable Development and Climate Change strategy are reported on the Council website. This includes reporting on progress towards emissions reduction targets. The Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report is also published on the Council website. 3e Estimated total annual carbon savings from all projects implemented by the body in the report year Emissions Source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments Electricity 45 LED lighting and PV installations projects 3f Detail the top 10 carbon reduction projects to be carried out by the body in the report year Provide details of the 10 projects which are estimated to achieve the highest carbon savings during report year. Project Funding source Capital cost (£) Project lifetime (years) Fuel/ emission source saved Estimated carbon savings per year (tCO2e/ annum) PV Panels – Eastfield Lifestyles CEEF 243,265 25 Electricity 28 PV Panels – Jackton Primary School CEEF 110,000 25 Electricity 11 72
Page 73
LED lighting SLC
Headquarters Council
Chambers
CEEF 38,787 10 Electricity 3.2
LED lighting – 6 sites CEEF 37,098 10 Electricity 3
LED projects reported as one project (excluding Headquarters)
3g Estimated decrease or increase in the body's emissions attributed to factors (not reported
elsewhere in this form) in the report year If the emissions increased or decreased due to any
such factor in the report year, provide an estimate of the amount and direction.
n/a
3h Anticipated annual carbon savings from all projects implemented by the body in the year
ahead
Source Total estimated annual
carbon savings (tCO2e)
Comments
Electricity To be confirmed 10 LED projects and 1 PV installation
3i Estimated decrease or increase in the body's emissions attributed to factors (not reported
elsewhere in this form) in the year ahead If the emissions are likely to increase or decrease
due to any such factor in the year ahead, provide an estimate of the amount and direction.
100 tCO2e predicated from the closure of Montrose House.
3j Total carbon reduction project savings since the start of the year which the body uses as a
baseline for its carbon footprint If the body has data available, estimate the total emissions
savings made from projects since the start of that year ("the baseline year").
Unknown
3k Supporting information and best practice. Provide any other relevant supporting
information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to its emissions, targets
and projects.
A Carbon Management Plan (CMP) has been in place since 2008, with update reports issued in 2012,
2014, 2016 and 2018. The CMP is no longer published as a standalone document, instead carbon
management actions, targets and projects are incorporated into the Sustainable Development and
Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027. This demonstrates our commitment to reducing our carbon
footprint and reporting in a transparent manner.
73Page 74
Part 4: Adaptation 4(a) Has the body assessed current and future climate-related risks? If yes, provide a reference or link to any such risk assessment(s). The Council’s Risk Management Team assists in the identification and evaluation of risks associated with the delivery of the Council's objectives and provide support to help manage these risks. The risk management team manage the Council's risk register and one of the top risks identified is ‘Failure to meet sustainable development and climate change objectives’. The risk scorecard identifies the business impacts of climate change now and in the future and contains a control measures such as ensuring that the climate change duties are embedded in policies, plans and strategies and working with services to raise the awareness of the business risks of a changing climate. Severe weather is also one of the risks in the Council's risk register and includes control measures such as emergency and contingency planning, weather warning alerts and response, infrastructure investment and flood risk management. The Council’s Emergency Management Team (EMT) leads on responding to emergencies. The EMT is made up of senior managers from Services who may be involved in dealing with emergencies and led by the Council's Resilience Adviser. The effect of severe weather is one of the emergencies that the EMT have prepared for. The South Lanarkshire area is covered by the West of Scotland Resilience Partnership which has representatives from the emergency services, councils, NHS boards and utilities companies. The West of Scotland Community Risk Register (CRR) includes severe weather incidents, the possible consequences and what the Regional Resilience Partnership are doing to mitigate the risks. Assessing Future Climate Risks The Council has a dedicated Flood Risk Management Team who manages flooding priorities and delivers prioritised flood protection schemes. In accordance with the requirements of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009, the Flood Risk Management Team has been involved in the publication of the Clyde and Loch Lomond and Tweed Local Flood Risk Management Plans. The production of these plans has involved a national flood risk assessment and identification of potentially vulnerable areas. Flood risk assessments and the implementation of sustainable drainage systems are required as part of the planning process for any new builds developments. These future flood risks are also incorporated into the Local Development Plan 2. The impacts from increased rainfall are the area’s biggest climate change risks, however the challenges from rising temperatures and sea levels will also bring risks as well as opportunities for the area. To understand these risks further, and what action is required to mitigate them, the Council is an active member of the Climate Ready Clyde partnership, a collaborative initiative that has developed an adaptation strategy and action plan for the Glasgow City Region (which includes all of South Lanarkshire both rural and urban areas). 4(b) What arrangements does the body have in place to manage climate-related risks? Provide details of any climate change adaptation strategies, action plans and risk management procedures, and any climate change adaptation policies which apply across the body The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 includes the Council's approach to managing climate change adaptation. Within the ‘Sustainable Places’ theme the intention is to work in partnership to ensure local infrastructure, buildings and communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change. This theme builds on work already happening across South Lanarkshire to improve communities and place, although it will do this through a sustainable development and climate lens which will take the diversity of rural and urban South Lanarkshire into account. The Council’s Risk Management Strategy aims to provide a sensible and proportionate approach to risk management that promotes awareness rather than avoidance. Resources are required to ensure 74
Page 75
that risk management is embedded in service planning and delivery; in the way they make decisions; in major projects; and in their dealings with partners and contractors. The Council also has a corporate Business Continuity Plan which is managed by the Resilience Adviser. South Lanarkshire Council is a category 1 responder and leads the Local Resilience Partnership on work required to meet the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and its associated Scottish Regulations and Guidance as part of Scotland Regional Resilience Partnership. In addition the council has the following strategies and plans which include policies and actions to address climate-related risks:- Local Development Plan 2 (2020-2025) - a key theme running through the Local Development Plan 2 is the need to address the land use issues arising from the impact of climate change. • Policy 2, Climate Change – proposals for new development must, where possible, seek to minimise and mitigate against the effects of climate change. • Policy 13, Green network and Greenspace - Development proposals should safeguard the green network, as identified on the proposals map, and identify opportunities for enhancement and/or extension which can contribute towards mitigating greenhouse gases and adapting to the impacts of climate change • Policy 16, Water environment and flooding - the avoidance principle of flood risk management as set out in Scottish Planning Policy must be met. Response to Flooding - The Flood Risk Management Service have procedures to deal with potential flooding events, called 'Response to Flooding', which is reviewed annually and takes cognisance of the effects of climate change upon predicted flood risk. Flood risk assessments and the implementation of sustainable drainage systems are required as part of the planning process for any new builds or developments. Local Transport Strategy 2013-2023 - Objective 6: Mitigate, adapt and manage the effects of climate change, including flooding, on transport infrastructure and communities. Climate change is identified as a key cross-cutting theme in the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy 2018-2022 that affects all ecosystems. Issues related to this are identified and addressed where possible. Peatland management which benefits carbon sequestration remains a key theme. The Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP) encourages appropriate management of the council estate. The BDIP, through the planning function, encourages other land-owners and developers to adopt the principles of the Biodiversity Strategy in their land-use. This is especially important in woodland cover and peatland conservation for carbon management and intrinsic biodiversity. 4(c) What action has the body taken to adapt to climate change? Include details of work to increase awareness of the need to adapt to climate change and build the capacity of staff and stakeholders to assess risk and implement action. Delivering adaptation actions • The Flood Risk Management team continue to be consulted regularly during the Planning and Development Management process to ensure all new developments are being designed in accordance with the latest guidance on flood risk, climate change and the sustainable management of surface water. • The Council has signed the Clyde Climate Forest Concordat committing to actively participate in, and promote, the realisation of Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) targets; increase the average tree canopy cover to 20%, increase the average broadleaf network 20% and increase forest and woodland cover in Glasgow city region to 20% by 2032 (totalling 18 million trees planted across the region over the next decade as a response to the Climate and Ecological Emergencies). • A high-level study has been completed to identify opportunities for tree planting on all South Lanarkshire Council’s owned or controlled land as part of the councils plans to achieve net 75
Page 76
zero. A more detailed investigation and pipeline of tree planting and afforestation projects for funding is being developed. • A Tree Canopy Cover Strategy is being developed to protect, enhance and manage a thriving canopy cover that broadens community engagement in local urban forest planning and improves community and canopy cover resilience to climate change, pests and storm events through best management and maintenance practices. • An Ash Dieback Disease Action and Recovery plan is being developed • Continue to contribute to the flagship actions in Climate Ready Clyde’s climate adaptation strategy and action plan. • Ongoing peatland conservation at Langlands Moss to help ensure the long-term viability of the site as a peat bog that can contribute to biodiversity, flood management and carbon storage. Building adaptive capacity • As members of Climate Ready Clyde the council has been involved in training in adaptation skills and competencies including the business case for action and the co-benefits; training on Climate justice and the new projections of future flood disadvantage; and have access to an advisory board which is a virtual group of practitioners cities and adaptation experts to inform and challenge the City Region’s approach to adaptation. • Flagship action 1 in the Climate Ready Clyde adaptation strategy is ‘Local authorities in the region working together to build capabilities and deliver collaborative adaptation’. A local authorities working group is being established to take forward this action. • The Council continues to raise awareness of Climate Ready Clyde’s Risk and Opportunity Assessment and Climate Adaptation Strategy. • The Council has starting using Adaptation Scotland’s Benchmarking Tool. The tool provides a baseline assessment of current adaptation capabilities and how development progresses over time. • A PhD project is being jointly funded by the Council and Glasgow Caledonian University’s Centre for Climate Justice. The study will focus on the climate vulnerability of South Lanarkshire communities, capacity to transition to net-zero and building resilience in this area. 4(d) Where applicable, what contribution has the body made to helping deliver the Programme? Local Flood Risk Management Plans were published in December 2022. South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) was involved in the production of the Clyde and Loch Lomond and Tweed LFRMPs. Through the process of developing these plans a National Flood Risk Assessment identified the areas at risk of coastal flooding, and objectives and actions were included in the Plans for Responsible Authorities to undertake to improve the current situation. The Council has been involved in the production and the ongoing updating of the Scottish Detailed River Network (SDRN), and in complying with the duty under the Flood Risk Management (FRM) Act this dataset is used within the asset management database to assess and maintain waterbodies. The Council also has access to the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) dataset which is regularly utilised during the catchment analysis stage in the production of Flood Studies. Other flood protection projects include the River Clyde Flood Modelling and Mapping Project to develop a new hydraulic river model for the River Clyde, producing updated flood maps, and establish current and future flood risk within the area and the East Kilbride Surface Water Management Plan which will identify locations within East Kilbride at risk of flooding and develop innovative solutions for implementation in future programmes of work. The Local Development Plan 2 contains policies on protecting and enhancing priority greenspace and green networks and ensuring the effect of development proposals on the natural environment and flood risk is considered during the application process. The plan also contains policy to ensure development proposals mitigate and adapt against climate change. The Planning Service works closely with colleagues in Greenspace and Countryside to ensure habitats are not adversely affected by new development. Master planning of the Council’s Community Growth Areas has incorporated measures to enhance existing habitats. 76
Page 77
The Council manages two components of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve, at Chatelherault and Mauldslie. Recent restructuring of the woodland at both sites is allowing conversion from coniferous forest to naturally regenerating, native broadleaved woodland. In April 2022, South Lanarkshire Council designated a total of 17 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), with 16 new sites adding to the existing one at Langlands Moss. The LNRs encompass a broad spectrum of habitats including ancient woodland, open water, wetlands, peatland and grassland. Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot) published a survey of the River Clyde Catchment to establish the extent of riparian transported Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) plants, Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam. The Council collects data on reported occurrence, principally Japanese Knotweed and undertake some control of the species on council land. Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) programmes were developed to install external wall insulation in privately owned and council properties and are prioritised to target fuel poor areas and households in most need of assistance. There are significant changes to the way in which these programmes can now be delivered, with the introduction of PAS2035, market supply of materials and significant increase in costs. In the financial year 2022-23 37 private properties and 13 council properties had external wall insulation applied. 4(e) What arrangements does the body have in place to review current and future climate risks? Provide details of arrangements to review current and future climate risks, for example, what timescales are in place to review the climate change risk assessments referred to in Question 4(a) and adaptation strategies, action plans, procedures and policies in Question 4(b). The Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 includes the Council's approach to managing climate change adaptation. The strategy includes current and future climate risks and a 5 year action plan has been developed: 5 year improvement actions. The Council's top risks, which include risks on both climate change and adverse weather, are reviewed annually. The Local Development Plan (LDP) was renewed in 2020. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are key themes throughout the LDP2. The Biodiversity Strategy 2018-22 and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan were launched in 2018. The Strategy is reviewed every five years and the BDIP every three years. Action planning takes places on a rolling programme and kept under continual review. The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process is well embedded within the Council and provides an opportunity to assess the risks and opportunities of climate change in new or revised plans, policies and strategies. A full SEA was carried out alongside preparation of the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. This has ensured a consistency in approach to addressing the climate crisis alongside the ecological emergency. It ensures that the importance of sustainable development is mainstreamed across the council and promoted to communities and partners. The climate adaptation strategy for the city region is also undergoing a full SEA. Local Flood Risk Management Plans (LFRMP) continue to be delivered. The monitoring of weather patterns, including rainfall statistics, continues to be carried out to help inform how the Council allocates resources and tracks the observed effects of climate change. Actions for the Council in the LFRMPs include the production of four Flood Protection Studies and 5 Surface Water Management Plans. The Council are currently working through a programme of delivering these projects and the effects of climate change upon future flood level and the resultant impacts upon building and infrastructure networks will be considered in each of these projects. Climate Ready Clyde launched the first comprehensive risk and opportunity assessment for the Glasgow City Region, in October 2018. The findings and recommendations in the assessment were used in the development of the first Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan for the Glasgow 77
Page 78
City Region. The risk and opportunity assessment provides context for the Council’s risk management approaches to climate change adaptation. The State of the Environment report has indicators for monitoring climate change. This is reported to various governance forums within the Council and with partners. 4(f) What arrangements does the body have in place to monitor and evaluate the impact of the adaptation actions? Please provide details of monitoring and evaluation criteria and adaptation indicators used to assess the effectiveness of actions detailed under Question 4c and Question 4d. South Lanarkshire's State of the Environment Report provides data that facilitates the monitoring and evaluation of a range of environmental issues - such as Biodiversity, Soil, and Water - where climate change adaptation action has been undertaken. This also includes a specific chapter related to climate change. The Council's performance management system IMPROVe is used to monitor and report actions and measures within Resource Plans and the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS). The SDCCS includes adaptation actions such as biodiversity, greenspace and flood risk management which are monitored and evaluated through IMPROVe and reported to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee biannually. SEPA prepared indicators that have been used in the first cycle of the LFRMPs, however these will be reviewed and adapted to ensure they are reflective of the on-going changes within the cycles and as our understanding improves through the process. Several Surface Water Management Plans (SWMP) and Flood Studies have been developed for the locations assessed with the highest Annual Average Damages from surface water and river flooding. Any actions or recommendations identified within the plans and studies will be evaluated regarding the reduction or mitigation of damages due to flooding within these areas. The regional adaptation strategy and action plan, through Climate Ready Clyde, will be monitored and evaluated. 4(g) What are the body’s top 5 priorities for the year ahead in relation to climate change adaptation? Provide a summary of the areas and activities of focus for the year ahead. 1. Benchmark the Council against Adaptation Scotland’s Adaptation Capability Framework to identify current position and areas for improvement 2. Embed adaptation and resilience in the council budgeting processes 3. Continue upskilling and raising awareness of adaptation through internal and external training providers 4. Continue use of the framework to improve and further embedding climate adaptation across the Council 5. Mainstreaming of adaptation into Governance practices and other key council plans and strategies 4(h) Supporting information and best practice Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to adaptation. South Lanarkshire Council is an active member of the Climate Ready Clyde partnership, participating in city-region wide workshops and events. The Council develops and implements local actions that contribute to the wider Glasgow City Region's (GCR) Adaptation Strategy. 78
Page 79
Part 5: Procurement 5(a) How have procurement policies contributed to compliance with climate change duties? Provide information relating to how the procurement policies of the body have contributed to its compliance with climate changes duties. The Council continues to consider environmental and social issues when purchasing goods and services. The Council adheres to the Sustainable Procurement Duty to ensure that regulated procurements: • Improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the authority area, with a particular focus on reducing inequality • Facilitate the involvement of small and medium enterprises, third sector bodies and supported businesses • Promote innovation The Council also use the Scottish Government’s Sustainable Procurement Toolkit and performance against the Flexible Framework is published in the Annual Procurement Report 2022-2023. Two tenders in the period, Household Waste Recycling Centres and Care at Home Service, have incorporated full sustainability tests and these sustainable outcomes have been embedded in the Invitation to Tender. A new sustainability process has been approved, which includes the introduction of a new scoring approach in the technical envelope, with 30% of the total technical score allocated to sustainability, including Fair Work First, Community Benefits and, for the first time, a specific score for climate considerations. The Council is developing a five-year Procurement Strategy for 2023-2028 and one of the seven key objectives is sustainable procurement, incorporating the climate change duties. 5(b) How has procurement activity contributed to compliance with climate change duties? Provide information relating to how procurement activity by the body has contributed to its compliance with climate changes duties. The Council has confirmed it will contribute to the Scottish Government led research on driving emission reduction through the public supply chain and considering any new recommendations from this research. In respect of procurement activity which has contributed to compliance with climate change duties, the procurement team has supported the Council approaches to: • Expanding the use of electric fleet and the EV charging infrastructure • Upgrade projects for social housing to achieve Energy Efficiency standards (EESSH) • New construction arrangements for Jackton Primary School and Blantyre Care Hub with embedded sustainability standards. 5(c) Supporting information and best practice The output from the Sustainable Procurement tools can be accessed through the Council’s Annual Procurement Report 2022-2023 . 79
Page 80
Part 6: Validation and declaration 6(a) Internal validation process Briefly describe the body’s internal validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. The report was prepared by the Carbon Management Officer and Sustainable Development Officer in conjunction with relevant Council Resources. It has been reviewed by the Performance and Policy Development Manager and the Head of Enterprise and Sustainability Development and approved by the Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources. It has also been reviewed by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee prior to submission. Finance and Corporate Resources have previously carried out an internal audit of the climate change duties report. The audit interrogated the data compilation and evidence pack and reported that the methodologies and processes were robust and sound. The 2022-23 report has not been audited; however, the same methodologies and processes have been applied as in previous years. 6(b) Peer validation process Briefly describe the body’s peer validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. When the internal audit was carried out a benchmarking exercise comparing the level of reporting detail against six other local authorities that come under the same ‘family group’ as South Lanarkshire for sustainability in the Local Government Benchmarking Framework was reviewed. Overall South Lanarkshire’s report compared favourably with the other Councils reviewed. 6(c) External validation process Briefly describe the body’s external validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. No external validation carried out at this time. 6e - Declaration I confirm that the information in this report is accurate and provides a fair representation of the body’s performance in relation to climate change. Name Role in the body Date David Booth Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources 7 November 2023 80
Page 81
Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 29 November 2023 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Making Space for Pollinators 1.1 Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] Provide the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee with an update on the work undertaken to expand the Council’s land use for pollinators. 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [r] (1) that the report be noted. 3. Background 3.1. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places a duty on public bodies in Scotland to further the conservation of biodiversity. This biodiversity duty is about taking care of nature all around us, not just in specific protected sites or for a particular species. 3.2. The Scottish Government Pollinator Strategy for Scotland 2017 to 2027 sets out how Scotland can continue to be a place where pollinators thrive, along with actions that are needed to help achieve that objective. The Scottish Strategy aims to address the causes of decline in populations, diversity and range of our pollinator species and to help them thrive in the future. The Making Space for Pollinators Report sets out the Council’s aims to help conserve and enhance pollinators and their habitats. 3.3. The Council has a significant influence on biodiversity as a major landowner, as a Planning Authority and through the impacts of its wider service delivery. The report brings together various groups including Government agencies, advisory bodies and Non-Governmental Organisations with an interest in biodiversity in South Lanarkshire. Key partners include NatureScot, Buglife and Butterfly Conservation. 3.4. Pollinators are critical to the function of our natural environment. The Scottish Pollinator Strategy is a priority in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 – ‘Tackling the Nature Emergency in Scotland’, published in December 2022, which sets out clear ambitions for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045. 4. The Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) 4.1. In 2021 the Council was awarded £264,000 via the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) and a further £188,000 in 2022. Also in 2022, the Grounds Service was allocated an additional £146,000 from the Council’s Climate Emergency Fund. This funding has 5 81
Page 82
allowed a programme of work improving biodiversity and local ecosystems, mitigating the impact of climate change and promoting nature-based solutions. The focus of the programme has been on pollinators, building on previous work on council land over the last number of years of improving grassland and other habitats for biodiversity. 4.2. The Council was awarded a further £545,000 from the NRF for 2023, with the Scottish Government highlighting the funds’ strategic themes where the fund seeks to deliver on: Habitat and species restoration: management for enhancement and connectivity. Freshwater restoration, including restoration of natural flows in rural catchments. Control of invasive non-native species (INNS) impacting on nature. Urban: Enhancing and connecting nature across, and between, towns and cities. 4.3. This approach hopes to deliver multiple benefits, supporting health and well-being, green jobs, air and water quality improvements in addition to supporting nature recovery. There is also an expectation that local authorities begin to develop projects which will contribute to establishing Nature Networks in their area. The fourth National Planning Framework sets out the Scottish Government’s aim that Nature Networks be put in place in every local authority to enhance biodiversity and better connect areas for nature. Ecological connectivity is provided by wildlife sites, corridors and stepping- stones, landscape features, watercourses, green and blue spaces that together form integrated nature networks. 4.4. A programme of further work is planned over the Winter period, building on previous years’ experience and aligned to the NRF’s strategic themes and ambitions around the establishment of Nature Networks. More detailed information is provided within the report at Appendix 1. 5. Making space for pollinators 5.1. South Lanarkshire Council currently does not have a separate wildflower or pollinator Strategy. The Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP) provides a strategic focus for conservation work with inclusions that will contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland and focussing on making improvements to the way our land is managed. 5.2. There has been a dramatic decline in the abundance and distribution of many of our pollinators. In the UK half of our 27 bumblebee species are in decline: three have become extinct and 71% of our butterflies are in long term decline. Pollinators are a vital part of our biodiversity. If we lose pollination services by insects, we risk damaging not only plants and animals but agricultural yields, our economy and our wellbeing. 5.3. The Making Space for Pollinators report (Appendix 1) is the Council’s first report summarising the work undertaken over a number of years to address these issues. The report highlights many ways in which we can support and enhance our native pollinators. They require extensive, well-connected areas in which to forage, nest and over winter. Creating nature networks through our urban areas linking public parks, greenspace to nature reserves, gardens and allotments, to the wider countryside can help keep South Lanarkshire pollinator friendly. 82
Page 83
5.4. Over recent years, the Council has developed and improved 155 grassland sites for pollinators, covering 62.77 ha throughout South Lanarkshire. Naturalised grass is essential for pollinators, and this is created by allowing the grass to grow longer and more naturally, where wildflowers can flower and set seed. This has been achieved through various projects and case studies which are highlighted in the report. For example, grassland improvement work achieved through the NRF in our 17 Local Nature Reserves, working with local communities and ‘friends’ groups and larger scale projects in partnership with Conservation groups: the three-year project with Butterfly Conservation: Helping Hands for Butterflies engaging with 700 people throughout the central belt of Scotland. 5.5. This approach also has the additional benefit of absorbing 0.397 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year when compared to short grass which does not sequester any carbon dioxide. 5.6. Pollinator areas require an alternative maintenance regime with the cuttings removed to reduce the nutrient level in the soil allowing the wildflowers to flourish and suppress grassland species. Where possible and depending on the size of the site, paths are established through a pollinator area so that the local community can access the area for walking and seeing up close the benefits of these areas for pollinators. More detail is provided in the appended report. 5.7. The service will continue to identify suitable areas throughout South Lanarkshire to improve the wildlife value and coverage of managed grassland. Sites will be chosen for their accessibility for the appropriate machinery for grass cutting, lifting and removal from site. Proximity to existing open spaces and nature reserves is also important as well as working with local communities for additional wildflower planting. For example, throughout 2023 the service has been working with members of the local community in East Kilbride and have identified seven areas in St Leonards for expanding grassland management. An alternative maintenance regime will be implemented, and the flora and fauna will be monitored to tack any changes and improvements. These grasslands link to a network of greenspaces in the local area including Calderglen Country Park, Glen Esk Urban Park and many proposed Local Nature Conservation Sites. 5.8. The Council’s approach to grassland management to support a healthy and diverse population of pollinating species will be directed through the following objectives: 1. Deliver the actions within our Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Report to benefit pollinators. 2. To continue to manage wildflower grasslands and other habitats to promote biodiversity. 3. To define, enhance and maintain Nature Networks throughout South Lanarkshire for pollinators where appropriate. Promote the restoration and creation of flower rich habitats in the countryside and in urban areas, linking to neighbouring and national networks. 83
Page 84
4. To continue to work with partners and communities, providing training, practical activities, events and monitoring to encourage community involvement. Encourage citizen science and other volunteer projects that add value to existing monitoring schemes. 5. Develop demonstration sites on public land, parks and Local Nature Reserves. 6. Support the use and development of pollinator friendly pest control methods. 7. Recognise the importance of brownfield sites and manage these to benefit pollinators. 8. To raise awareness of the plight of pollinators and actions needed to help reverse species decline. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. There are no direct employee implications with this report. The Council’s Biodiversity Officer works in conjunction with all Council Resources to deliver the Council’s objectives around biodiversity and creating space for pollinators. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. There are no additional revenue implications associated with this report. NRF funding of £0.545m for 2023 was received in July 2023. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. Improvements to biodiversity have the potential to help mitigate the effects of climate change for example through natural flood management and carbon storage. There is also a need for biodiversity to be improved to make natural systems better able to cope with the impacts of a changing climate, such as improving habitat networks to increase species resilience. 8.2. Biodiversity actions are incorporated into the Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. Measures are reported on through statutory Climate Change Duties. 8.3. The existing Biodiversity Strategy and BDIP have both undergone a full Strategic Environmental Assessment. The Environmental Reports and post-adoption statements are available on the Council website. A new Biodiversity Strategy and BDIP will be completed by February 2024. 9. Other Implications 9.1. The Countryside and Greenspace Section offer support and guidance for all Resources and undertake the collation of measures and preparation of the statutory reports. 9.2. There was no requirement for consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. 10. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 10.1. Equality impact assessments were carried out for the previous SL Biodiversity Strategy and the SLC Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan. 84
Page 85
David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 10 November 2023 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Ambitious, self-aware and improving Priorities We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Outcomes Our children and young people thrive Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References SL Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Implementation Plan: Community and Enterprise Resources Committee – 22 May 2018 Edinburgh Declaration: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Committee – 28 Apr 2021. Biodiversity Duty Report: Climate Change and Sustainable Development Committee – 4 Nov 2020. List of Background Papers Pollinator Strategy Scotland 2017-2027 South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Duty Reports Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 Tackling Nature Emergency Scotland Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Joanna Birkin, Biodiversity Officer Tel: 07788 351841 E-mail: joanna.birkin@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 85
Page 86
86
Page 87
Making Space for Pollinators 2024 If you need this information in another language or format, please contact us to discuss how we can best meet your needs. Phone: 0303 123 1015 or email: equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 5 87
Page 88
Content Why are pollinators and pollination important? National Context Local Context. What we need to do. Why have long grass? Options for grassland management. Partnership and community working. Case studies. Appendix 1: Biodiversity Duty Report extracts. Appendix 2: Database of pollinator sites. Appendix 3: References for support and further information. Appendix 4: Acronyms. 88
Page 89
Why are pollinators and pollination important? Photo 1: A bumblebee on a thistle flower at Milheugh LNR. There has been a dramatic decline in the abundance and distribution of many of our pollinators. In the UK half of our 27 bumblebee species are in decline; three are already extinct and 71% of our butterflies are in long term decline. Insect pollination plays a vital role in nature. Pollination involves the transfer of pollen from one plant to another, enabling them to sexually reproduce. The transfer of pollen is essential for plant fertilisation of many species. Insects obtain nectar and / or pollen for their energy requirements and to produce their offspring. Nectar provides a high energy sugar, while pollen is rich source of protein. Pollination is an important ecological process that supports healthy plant communities and in turn, provides food, shelter and other resources for a multitude of species. They play a vital role in the ecology of our grasslands, woodlands and other habitats, shaping the nature and landscape that people depend upon and enjoy. It is essential that we work together to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife and provide a healthy environment for them to survive and thrive in Scotland. There are many ways to support and enhance our native pollinator populations. They require extensive, well-connected areas in which to forage, nest and overwinter, so measures to safeguard their food and habitats must be carried out on a landscape scale. Creating Nature Networks through our urban areas linking public parks, greenspace to nature reserves, gardens and allotments, to the wider countryside can help keep Scotland pollinator friendly. Actions that help to maintain pollinators habitats in particularly reducing habitat fragmentation to facilitate dispersal, will offset some of the impacts in pollinators. This Making Space for Pollinators Plan sets out our aims to help conserve and enhance local pollinators and their habitats. The plan has been prepared to support the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland 2017-27. The strategy states that globally, nearly 90% of flowering plant species depend, at least in part, on animals like insects to transfer pollen and to maintain healthy plant populations. The strategy values the economic input of pollinators in Scotland at £43 million per year for agricultural and horticultural crops, and honey. 89
Page 90
National Context Pollinators are a vital part of our biodiversity. Species such as bees and hoverflies are a familiar sight in our gardens, parks and countryside and they play a crucial role in our food and farming industries as pollinators. If we lose pollination services by insects, we risk damaging not only plants and animals but agricultural yields, our economy and our wellbeing. Many of our pollinators are under threat. Current pressures include land use changes, land management, pesticides, pollution, invasive non-native species, disease and climate change. The Pollinator Strategy for Scotland 2017-2027 sets out how Scotland can continue to be a place where pollinators thrive, along with actions that are needed to help achieve that objective. The following extracts provide a summary of the objectives and outcomes to help pollinators in Scotland, and how this work ties in with Scottish Government priorities. The Strategy aims: to address the causes of decline in populations, diversity and range of our pollinator species, and to help them thrive into the future. Objectives: • To make Scotland more pollinator-friendly, halting and reversing the decline in native pollinator populations. • To improve our understanding of pollinators and their pollination service. • To manage the commercial use of pollinators to benefit native pollinators. • To raise awareness and encourage action across sectors. • To monitor and evaluate whether pollinators are thriving. Outcomes: By 2027: • Action to support pollinators will be firmly embedded in relevant strategies, policies and practices across Government and the public sector. • Our understanding of pollinator ecology, status and trends is improved to allow policies and practices to be informed by the best evidence. • Regulation of honeybee and bumble bee importation will minimise the risks of introducing new pests and diseases. • Local bee-based industries will be better supported. • We will have a wide understanding of the value of Scotland’s pollinating insects and strong public support to restore populations and habitats, monitor populations and research pollinator biodiversity. • There will be a strong network of good-quality pollinator habitats in place. • It can be demonstrated that Scotland’s pollinators are thriving. 90
Page 91
This Strategy links to all five of Scottish Government’s Strategic Objectives, making a direct contribution to the ‘Wealthier & Fairer’ and ‘Greener’ objectives. By helping to secure and improve the resilience of our food supplies through a strong pollinator service, the strategy contributes to the Environmental Sustainability objective of Scotland’s National Food and Drink Policy: Good Food Nation, and the development of a strategy for sustainable agriculture. Pollinators are critical to the function of our natural environment. The strategy is a priority in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 –‘Tackling the Nature Emergency in Scotland’ published in December 2022, which sets out clear ambitions for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045, where our: Ecosystems will be diverse, healthy, resilient and deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. Protected areas will be larger, better connected and in good condition. The abundance and distribution of species will have recovered and there will be no loss of diversity within species. Scotland’s internationally important species will have increased in numbers and have healthy resilient populations. Nature-based solutions, such as tree planting, peatland and blue carbon habitat restoration, will be central to our efforts to deliver NetZero and adapt climate change. Harmful invasive non-native species will be managed so that established INNS no longer degrade native habitats and species or impede their restoration and regeneration. Local context South Lanarkshire council does not have a separate wildflower or pollinator strategy. Our Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan provide a strategic focus for conservation work with inclusions that will contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland, and focusing on making improvements to the way our land is managed. To date 155 grassland sites have been improved for pollinators and wildlife equating to 62.77ha throughout South Lanarkshire. A summary of some recent projects can be found in Appendix 1 with a list of pollinator friendly sites in Appendix 2. South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy: The South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy brings together objectives and actions from a range of partners across the county. In South Lanarkshire, the main environmental pressures having an adverse effect on biodiversity include invasive non-native species, fragmentation of habitats affecting connectivity of systems and the inappropriate location of urban development or development that is insensitive to the local natural environment. Arguably, the greatest potential pressure on ecosystem function is climate change, with habitat fragmentation restricting the movement of species in response to this. The following extract from the strategy shows the objectives and actions with potential impact on pollinators. Strategic Outcome 2: Designated and locally important sites are conserved. Actions • Manage and monitor all LNR’s to benefit biodiversity. • Continue to progress a variety of projects that benefit species / habitats of importance within South Lanarkshire. • Investigate land coverage of designated and key sites within South Lanarkshire, with aim to expand to 30% of land use. • Continue to work with GCV mapping key habitat sites, identify and create nature networks throughout South Lanarkshire. Strategic Outcome 3: People have opportunities to connect with nature. Actions • Raise awareness and understanding of the issues affecting biodiversity to provide opportunities for people to engage with nature. 91
Page 92
• Natural spaces are used for volunteering, citizen science, education, and health improvement. • Continue to support nature-based education, skills and volunteering. • Community groups are involved with local site management Strategic Outcome 8: The urban environment of South Lanarkshire benefits biodiversity. Actions • Continue to create areas of wildflower meadow, in partnership with local communities. • Review grass management with the aim to improve the biodiversity value of amenity grassland throughout South Lanarkshire. • Ensure we secure positive effects for biodiversity from National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). • Improvement of nature networks to create corridors for species movement, link to neighbouring authorities to improve ecological connectivity across Scotland. Strategic Outcome 9: Vacant and Derelict Land (VDL) contributes to biodiversity. Actions • Reduce the area of land on the VDL register due to naturalisation or other land use. • Deliver project on VDL site projects to remediate the land or bring it into practical use. The Biodiversity Duty: South Lanarkshire council has a statutory duty to further the conservation of biodiversity as set out by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act (2004). Our role is to support biodiversity from direct actions, through to educating others and raising awareness. Our Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP) reflects the priorities and outcomes set out within the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy and articulates we will achieve its duty to conserve biodiversity. The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act (2011) requires the council to make a report publicly available on our compliance with the Biodiversity Duty every three years. Our online reports summarise biodiversity action achieved to date, including work on pollinators; see Appendix 1 extracts relevant to pollinators from the report made to Scottish Government. The following extracts from the BDIP highlight actions with potential impact on pollinators and their habitats: Actions • Continue to review the current grass management practices, particularly for sites with actual or potential biodiversity value. • Continue to review the application of herbicides on council land with the aim of reducing use as much as possible. • Leave road verges to grow outside settlements for wildflowers, except where safety is required otherwise, cut once at the end of the year. • Continue to investigate opportunities to maximise the use of native and pollinator friendly plants on council owned land. • Investigate the use of green infrastructure to improve air quality, particularly that which favours native and pollinator friendly species. 92
Page 93
• Continue to identify and progress a variety of projects that benefit species or habitats of importance within South Lanarkshire, linking where possible with external partners. • The Unpaid Work Service, via community payback orders, will continue to work in our LNRs’ and greenspaces, occasionally working alongside the country rangers and local community groups to improve sites for nature and access. • The countryside ranger service continues to provide training, events and information to volunteers and communities. • The countryside ranger service provides regular opportunities for volunteers and community groups to be involved with improving greenspaces for people and biodiversity. • We continue to work with external partners including the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, Butterfly Conservation, Froglife, Buglife, Green Action Trust to further the conservation of biodiversity. • Continue to monitor, maintain, and expand areas of wildflower meadow in partnership with Buglife and GCV. • Survey relevant vacant and derelict land sites and deliver site projects, in partnership with external organisations. • Work in partnership with GCV on the Clyde Peatlands project to improve lowland raised bog, Clyde Climate Forest and other biodiversity / nature network projects. • The importance of biodiversity and its place in South Lanarkshire is promoted to staff and the public. • Staff and contractors are made aware of protected or important species and habitats. • The importance of biodiversity in mitigating the effects of climate change is promoted, as well as the need for biodiversity to be capable of adaptation. 93
Page 94
What we need to do: Photo 2: A photo of a species rich grassland Bothwell LNR. Aim: We aim to have a healthy and diverse population of pollinating species. Objectives: • Where we deliver the actions within our Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan to benefit pollinators. • To continue to manage wildflower grasslands and other habitats to promote biodiversity. • To create, enhance and maintain nature networks throughout South Lanarkshire for pollinators, through the restoration and creation of flower rich habitats in the countryside and urban areas, linking to neighbouring and national networks. • To continue to work with partners and communities providing training, practical activities, events and monitoring to encourage community involvement. Encourage citizen science and other volunteer projects that add value to existing monitoring schemes. • Develop demonstration sites on public land, parks, woodlands and Local Nature Reserves. • Support the use and development of pollinator friendly pest control methods. • Recognise the importance of brownfield sites and manage these to benefit pollinators and other species. • To raise awareness of the plight of pollinators and actions needed to help reverse species declines. 94
Page 95
Why have long grass? Photo 3: One of the many common spotted orchids in the long grass at Greenhall Local Nature Reserve in Blantyre. Short mown amenity grassland supports very little biodiversity, naturalised grass is significantly better for wildlife, it provides vital shelter and food for a wide range of animals including invertebrates, amphibians and mammals. Wildflowers provide a crucial source of nectar for pollinating insects like bumblebees and hoverflies. Bats and birds will often swoop over long grasslands to catch insects, will many animals be feeding on the seeds. Naturalised grass is created by allowing the grass to grow longer and more naturally. Wildflowers already in the sward can flower and set seed. The grass is cut once a year at the end of the growing season (Sept-Oct) using a tractor driven flail and the cutting are either left or ideally removed. Naturalised grass can absorb approximately 0.397 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. In comparison short grass will not sequester any carbon dioxide. Naturalised grass is generally more resilient to the impacts of climate change as it shades the soil and lower vegetation from extreme heat, and will withstand and absorb heavy rainfall, intercepts pollution and helps to reduce soil erosion. There are many benefits to areas of long grass in our greenspaces. This doesn’t mean that all the grass must be left unmown; having a mixture of different areas provide a variety of options for how people and wildlife use the site. Various supporting documents and links for further information can be found in Appendix 3. Providing pollinator plants near allotments and growing spaces helps ensure crops will be pollinated. Many insects such as wasps and ladybirds are natural pest control as they feed on garden pests. Different grass management can improve aesthetic and interest value; paths through long grass are more interesting than short grass and gives us a connection with nature. The link between our mental and physical wellbeing and time spent in the outdoors is becoming increasing recognised. Meadows change with the seasons, and over time; there is always something to see. 95
Page 96
Options for grassland management Open and sunny places are best to allow plants to thrive. Areas of long and diverse grassland will be of benefit to pollinators wherever they are created, however most insects will not travel far from their home. Enlarging existing pollinator habitats and creating new “stepping-stones” forms a corridor that many species can travel along. To identify areas of grassland in the urban areas for urban wildlife to thrive, it is critical that a network of connected habitats to move through are established. We need to identify sites that help create nature networks, nature networks improving grassland areas to link to much larger urban networks such as local nature reserves, country park, play parks, pocket parks and existing areas of greenspace that support wildlife. Buglife have identified B-lines across central Scotland that can be used as a focus for this network. Source: NatureScot - From Urban Grey to Urban Green. https://www.nature.scot/urban-grey- urban-green Partnership and community work We have a good history of working with external partners on various grassland improvement projects. We recently created several B-line sites with Buglife and have worked on various projects with Butterfly Conservation to create wildflower areas from amenity grassland. We wish to continue to create areas of long grass and wildflowers to benefit biodiversity, particularly pollinators and expand on this work throughout South Lanarkshire. There is also a role for communities to play, especially where there is a potential for change to how local greenspaces are managed. Communication is key to understanding why different types of habitats are a benefit for our wildlife, and a balance needs to be found for the various uses of sites. The opportunities for sites are variable, and a change does not need to take away the amenity and aesthetic value; it can enhance it. 96
Page 97
Photo 4: Banking at Glen Doll in East Kilbride which was sown with yellow rattle with the local community in winter 2019. This parasitic plant helps keep grasses down allowing other wildflowers to grow. The connecting hedgerow also provides refuse and movement for invertebrates. We are already working with many communities across South Lanarkshire to improve the outdoors for both people and wildlife, which includes areas of long grass, allotments, woodlands and even a raised bog. The network of volunteers plays a vital role in delivering enhancements planting spring bulbs, sowing and harvesting wildflower seed, planting trees to creating orchards. We welcome suggestions on how to improve our greenspaces for pollinators and will work with local communities where suggestions are made. Case studies Butterfly Conservation - Helping hands for Butterflies Project 2020 - 2022 The Countryside and Greenspace Team worked in partnership with Butterfly Conservation for the duration of their Helping Hands for Butterflies Project. The three-year project that ended in October 2022, engaged with over 700 people throughout the central belt of Scotland. The project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and NatureScot to create new habitats for butterflies in urban places. The project introduced the world of butterflies and moths to new volunteers, through training events and workshops to help people identify and monitor species. The project also created flower-rich grasslands in urban parks that were specifically intended to help butterflies and moths. Management plans were created for each site, with four main aims to reduce the cutting, remove the cuttings, plant yellow rattle for the first year, then plant with butterfly friendly species. Three sites were chosen in South Lanarkshire at Stonefield Park and Hunthill Road Whitegate Community Orchard in Blantyre and Bothwell Park, in Hamilton. Staff and volunteers helped create and improve these sites for invertebrates removing the cuttings to reduce the nutrient content going back into the soils and the addition of wildflower seed. We aim to maintain and expand the three project sites for wildlife. A full report and films of the project highlights produced by Butterfly Conservation can be found on their webpage. 97
Page 98
Photo 5: An example of one of the signs for the Helping Hands for Butterfly project areas. Brighter Bothwell examples of pollinator friendly projects Over the last few years Brighter Bothwell have been encouraging residents to grow wildflowers with the aim of becoming "Bee friendly Bothwell", by making packets of seeds available for free. These have been made up by the Beekeeping group at Bothwell Community Garden and are mainly borage or phacelia. The community garden has two demonstration borders, one for bees the other for butterflies, showing pollinator friendly plants which could be chosen for growing at home. Wildflower areas are managed for wildlife and supports an orchard with 28 fruit trees. The ground for the garden is leased from SLC and managed by the committee of The Organic Growers of Bothwell. Photo 6: Wildflowers at Colliers Corner. Plug plants are added to the Nature Trail which are grown at the community garden each year to add to the biodiversity and they gather yellow rattle seeds to scatter in other grassed areas along the path. SLC own this land. A partnership approach is working well, with SLC and the Bothwell community looking after various elements of many sites: • Gilchrist Garden in Green Street was gifted to the community by Marion Gilchrist, the first female medical graduate from Glasgow University; 3 pollinator friendly borders • Green Street playpark; 3 large herb planters, fruit trees, climbers, rowan trees, wildflowers and pollinator friendly plants. • Sensory Garden on Hamilton Road; 3 large, raised beds (pollinator friendly) with roses and clematis on the wall. 98
Page 99
• Jubilee Garden has a very long border containing a wide range of shrubs, perennial plants and trees. • The top of the Glebe is a private road managed by Brighter Bothwell; a wide range of small trees, shrubs and perennials are grown along with underplanted bulbs. • At the war memorial and opposite the Bothwell Bridge Hotel; large planters and mangers host a mix of permanent and annual plants. • Colliers' Corner is a newly planted area, names as it was near to the pit and miners' housing. There is a border planted with shrubs and perennials with bulbs recycled from tubs. Under the trees at the front wildflowers have been sown along with plants recycled from the Sensory Garden. The Coal Hutch is looked after by Brighter Bothwell and is planted up with bulbs and pansies for spring display which are then replaced with Summer plants. There is a small wildflower border nearer the pavement. • Three areas on Fallside Road at Waverley Place, the Community Centre and the junction with the roundabout at Olifard Avenue, SLC have sown wildflower borders. At the junction of Uddingston Road and Blantyre Road we have The Miners' wildflower garden. This was sown with native seeds and plug plants to form a biodiverse haven for pollinators. It is maturing well now and even had orchids this year. Every autumn, Brighter Bothwell volunteers plant up 26 large tubs with a range of bulbs and pansies to provide a spring display. All our choices are pollinator friendly to provide early nectar as well as looking lovely. Every summer a display of 56 large tubs, in recent years 12 of these tubs "perfect for pollinators" by including nectar rich plants such as buddleia and lavender. There are also a further 4 tubs which have sustainable permanent planting. Improving grasslands in East Kilbride In May 2023, SLC Countryside and Greenspace Team and Grounds Services were approached by a group of enthusiastic members of the local community in East Kilbride to enquire about improving several amenity grassland areas for wildlife. After a series of meetings and a site visit, we identified seven areas in St Leonards. We are now reducing the mowing regime to once a year, removing the cuttings to reduce the nutrient levels to encourage the growth of wildflowers and will be monitoring the changes to the flora and fauna in each location. The grasslands link to a network of greenspaces in the local area including Calderglen Country Park, Glen Esk Urban Park and many proposed Local Nature Conservation Sites. Photo 7: One of the seven sites selected in East Kilbride along St Leonards Road. The map below highlights the grassland areas in East Kilbride and the proximity to larger greenspaces at Glen Esk Urban park and Calderglen Country Park. 99
Page 100
100
Page 101
Appendix 1: Biodiversity Duty Report Extracts The following information has been taken from the SLC Biodiversity Duty Report 2023-2026; actions taken to improve habitat for pollinators. Nature Restoration Programme (NRP) The NRP brings together Scottish Governments Nature restoration Funding (NRF) with South Lanarkshire council’s Climate Emergency Fund during 2021 to 2023. The focus of the programme was to deliver positive effects for biodiversity, local ecosystems, mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote nature-base solutions. Most of the groundwork was completed by seasonal grounds employees, to keep work in house and be cost effective. The initial focus of the program was on pollinators, whose decline has been well documented in the media. Building on previous work on council land over the last few years, of improving grassland and other habitats. The project also included other nature-based solutions that have many benefits for our natural environment. Improvements made within the programme: Local Nature Reserves, Country Park, and National Nature Reserve: creating and improving wildflower areas, small access repairs, tree planting and removal of invasive and non-native species. District Parks: old and degraded shrub beds were replaced with plants chosen to benefit pollinators throughout the year. Some of these plants are also noted to help improve air quality, which can be incorporated as appropriate. District parks have also been chosen to host the covid memorial orchard, which contribute a biodiversity benefit to pollinators as well as enhancing tree canopy cover. Photo 8: The Friends of Calder sowing wildflower seeds in one of the two meadows created as part of the NRF. More than 900 trees were also planted to improve this large expanse of amenity grassland in the LNR for wildlife. Green Flags Three parks in South Lanarkshire maintain Green Flag Awards which recognise and reward well managed parks and greenspaces. These are Strathaven park, Cambuslang park and Castlebank park. Biodiversity friendly elements of site management include reducing the use of peat and chemical and appropriate managing natural features and wildlife. Theses site have associated active community groups. Strathaven park has a new sensory garden which includes planting to encourage pollinators, a new hedge and improvement to the watercourse for wildlife. We are currently working with the Friends of Calder community group to work towards a Greenflag award for Greenhall Park and LNR in Blantyre. 101
Page 102
Air quality Photo 9: Grow 73 maintaining the raised bed in Rutherglen. SLC has declared three Air Quality Management Areas and has an Action Plan which sets out the local measures to be implemented to improve air quality. These actions aim to reduce particulates and nitrogen oxides which will improve air quality as well as having a positive impact on biodiversity. Over the next year we plan to revise the current air quality action plan and this time we will look to see how we can strengthen the links to biodiversity. As part of that process, we will look to the Cleaner Air for 2 Strategy produced by Scottish Government and in particular reference the use of nature based solutions. Environmental Services produced an 2022 Air Quality Annual Progress report highlighting projects in South Lanarkshire to improve air quality. We are working in partnership with a local community gardening group ‘Grow 73’ several large wooden planters with pollution fighting plants, some of which are pollinator friendly were installed adjacent to a busy road junction in Rutherglen. The project has been running for several years and Grow 73 continue to maintain the planters and engaged with the Royal Horticultural Society who have supported the project by providing advice, compost, and additional plants. Vacant and Derelict Land (VDL) The remediation and redevelopment of vacant and derelict land is a priority for the SLC. Such action is critical to the process of area renewal and regeneration, providing opportunities for economic development, new housing, recreation provision and enhancement of the environment. Between 2006 and 2020, 393.47 ha of previously vacant and derelict land have been taken forward for development or greening in South Lanarkshire. The Biodiversity Strategy encourages the removal from the register of derelict sites which have become naturalised. Since 2016, 18 sites, totalling 23.63 ha have been surveyed and removed. Some of these have become Local Nature Reserves and potential Local Nature Conservation Sites. Contaminated Land In 2020/21, significant site works were undertaken at Milton LNR a former brick works covering around 14 hectares, in Carluke thanks to the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund. Three new access points were created, paths and boardwalks were installed along with benches, drainage has been improved throughout the site and a dipping platform installed at one of the ponds. Wildflower seeds were sown in many areas to improve both grassland diversity and pollinator habitats. The site has now been designated as a LNR and is managed for biodiversity, so becoming assets to the local community as well as attracting visitors from further afield. In addition to recreation, with its attendant health and well-being benefits, the sites are used for 102
Page 103
outdoor education and several of them have inspired involvement by the local community groups and individuals in maintain them and recording wildlife. Photo 10: Milton LNR, one of the areas improved for pollinators and wildlife. Roadside verges Since 2015 we have reduced the number of grass cuts to all verges owned by SLC from six to one cut per year, except where safety reasons demand a more regular cut. Wildflower and landscaped areas and hedges associated with road infrastructure are maintained. Community Groups and Volunteer capacity building We continue to support community groups with an interest in engaging with their local greenspace by assisting with events and conservation activities, attending meetings, and applying for funding. Many of our designated Local Nature Reserves have a dedicated “friend’s” community groups attached to them. These groups are an important link within the community, and they are invaluable in protecting and promoting biodiversity through community engagement, practical conservation work to providing ecological data for national surveys. Examples include installing and repairing dams along old forestry drainage channels within our peatland reserve, to planting trees and expanding our nature networks to improving grasslands for pollinators. Many volunteers have a keen interest and extensive knowledge of flora and fauna, from butterflies, moths, bats, dragonflies, mammals, and amphibians. Photo 11: Langlands Moss LNR, a large health monitoring event with Butterfly Conservation (Summer 2022). 103
Page 104
We have worked with many external partners providing training for our volunteers, topic range from conserving peatlands, butterfly and moth identification workshops to habitat creation and management for pollinator species. The Countryside and Greenspace Team (CAG) continue to work with volunteers and community groups, supporting various types of work. The average time spent volunteering each year is 4746 days (2018 to 2023), which equates to £474,600 annually (based on £100 per day). 2022 was a great year for our volunteers a huge 5342 days were accrued equating to £534,200. This is an under-representation of the work carried out in South Lanarkshire by volunteers as we do not receive information from all our groups every year. CAG promote all their events, activities and projects on the South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers Facebook page . In 2021, a draft report was compiled, celebrating the achievements of the volunteers we work with and support, detailing the positive outcomes for biodiversity. CAG produced a draft report summarising the work of our volunteer (2011 to 2021). The report found that 900 hectares of land have been improved for biodiversity and access over the ten-year period. The Friends of Holmhills Wood Community Park LNR The group is a sub-group of Cambuslang community council, they are a small group of volunteers dedicated to promoting and conserving the reserve through awareness raising and regular public events. The friends hold regular public meetings, themed meets up, for pond dipping, practical conservation days, public activities and events for all ages and abilities, a weekly health walk and work with the local primary, secondary and additional support needs schools located near the reserve. Members of the group are keen naturalists; they regularly record the wildlife at the reserve and contribute to casual wildlife records to the appropriate recording scheme throughout the year and one member of the group is a talented wildlife photographer and regularly shares the photos on the friends Facebook page. Photo 12: Monitoring and recording for dragonflies and damselflies at the ponds at Holmhills LNR. Ongoing conservation task include thinning of the willow scrub around the three ponds at the reserve to maintain the ponds but also for breeding warblers, the creation of wildflower meadow and control on INNS. In December 2022 they achieved an outstanding award from Keep Scotland Beautiful “It’s your neighbourhood award” the scheme recognised the wildlife survey work done by the volunteers contributed to the success. 104
Page 105
The Friends of Langlands Moss Photo 13: The Friends of Langlands Moss community group gathered after a day of conservation work with Butterfly Conservation’s Bog Squad. Since 2015 they have worked with Butterfly Conservation’s Bog Squad conducting projects include, a peat depth survey, installing dams along the former commercial conifer plantation drainage ditches, to removing scrub and trees from the bog to improve the hydrology of the peatland. A butterfly transect runs through Langlands Moss, since the removal of the trees in at the moss in 2019 the number of butterflies and moths recorded at the reserve has increased significantly. CAG and the Friends of Langlands Moss continue to improve the reserve for wildlife, repairing any damage dams, removing scrub and trees from the peatland to improving the grasslands with the addition of wildflower seed and plugs. Managing and monitoring B-Line in Clyde Valley In 2019 SL Grounds Service Team and CAG worked with Buglife (The Invertebrate Conservation Trust) to improve 12 sites throughout Lanark, Kirkfieldbank and Crossford for pollinator species such as bees and hoverflies, staff and volunteers changed the management at the sites to increase the wildflower content within the grassland. Photo 14: One of our B-line sites at Castlebank Park, Lanark The project was funded by the Biodiversity Challenge Fund, due to be completed in 2020, extra funding allowed the work to be extended to 2021, which allowed us to sow more wildflowers at the sites. In 2022 and 2023 we have continued to monitor the development of these sites, recording species within the FIT Count app. Food Growing The Amenity Service team are working with associations and groups on a range of formal allotment and informal community growing projects. Where possible sustainable growing 105
Page 106
methods are incorporated, and advice is given on how to improve biodiversity beyond food growing. The Food Growing Strategy (2020-25) and the Food Growing annual report (2021-22) has a section of biodiversity and the environment and highlights the work done at various allotments for nature. Allotment holders are provided with information and are encouraged to improve their site for biodiversity. Existing food growing sites already contribute positively to biodiversity, when developing new sites, we consider green corridors for wildlife and havens for insects and pollinator species. For example, at Lammermoor in East Kilbride the site is being designed to incorporate a sustainable drainage system, to collect water and channel it into an attenuation pond. This will enable the improvement of the landscape to include wildflowers to attract pollinators and pond plant to improve the wetland area to hopefully attract frogs, toads and newts to the site. Recent projects include: • Planted two small orchards in Cambuslang Park (LNR) and Castlebank Park. • Addition of six trees in Whitegate Orchard in Milheugh LNR in Blantyre. • Provided wildflower seed to all council managed allotment sites and some community growing sites for pollinator species. • Supplied seed for window boxes and herbs to 55 groups and primary schools, who are participating in a council run food growing scheme. • Planted 800 trees in 13 covid memorial orchards in 11 district parks and two country parks. • Established a link between GreeningCamglen with EK Development Trust to co-ordinate seed exchange. • East Kilbride Development Trust issued 2500 seed packs to schools and community organisations. • Grow 73 / Healthy n Happy distributed grow at home packs to schools and community groups in Rutherglen. Photo 15: The community orchard “Whitegate” at Milheugh LNR. Glasgow and Clyde Valley (GCV) Green Network We continue to work in partnership with GCV establishing the Clyde Climate Forest and the Clyde Peatlands, as part of their green network blueprint and strategic habitat network. In January 2023, GVC received funding from NatureScot to support a green network regional grassland project, to conduct a study to assess the extent and condition of all species rich grassland across the Glasgow region. In October 2023 maps were produced highlighting the species rich grasslands and habitat networks within South Lanarkshire. 106
Page 107
Udston and Glenlee - Wildflower Meadow Creation In autumn of 2022, an area at Udston and Glenlee Woods was identified for wildflowers. An area of over 1500 square metres was cut, raked off and planted with wildflowers. The meadow will continue to be managed and surveyed from now on. Milton Woods LNR A site of a former brick and tile works on the outskirts of Carluke. Identified by SLC as vacant and derelict land, it is around 14 ha in size and was inaccessible to the local community. Photo 16: One of the boreholes at Milton Woods newly renovated LNR. In 2020/21, significant site works were undertaken at Milton thanks to the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund. Three new access points were created, one of which has parking spaces. Paths and boardwalks were installed along with benches and a central design incorporating reclaimed bricks in a Celtic knot pattern. Drainage has been improved throughout the site and a dipping platform was installed at the larger pond. Wildflower seeds were sown in many areas to help improve both grassland diversity and pollinator habitats. This new LNR now provides a much- welcomed asset to the local community. Fernbrae Meadows In 2021 a group of volunteers came together to devise a new butterfly transect for Fernbrae Meadows. Joining in training online with Butterfly Conservation and SL Countryside Rangers. The Lunchtime Heroes sessions gives people a chance to gather once a fortnight to participate in conservation tasks including citizen science, removal of invasive species, litter-picking and removing guards from newly planted trees. Photo 17: One of the many wildflower meadows improved for wildlife at Fernbrae Meadows. 107
Page 108
The health walks and buggy walks continue to run giving people a chance to experience nature close to home. Some of the walkers at Fernbrae Meadows produce several film clips talking about what nature means to them. Project 31 hold outdoor play sessions, the local nurseries and primary schools regularly visit Fernbrae Meadows using the outdoor space for play and learning. The Friends of Fernbrae Meadows and CAG support many events throughout the year exploring the ponds, gardening sessions in the allotments, creating new habitats to removing INNS. They continue to work on the meadow reducing the nutrient levels, harvesting seed, and learning about meadow as a habitat. In Spring 2023, CAG and volunteers started to monitor the 400m hedgerow which runs across the centre of the reserve. Using the Healthy hedgerows app and the Great Hedgerow Survey we were able to access the health of the hedgerow and with the community produce a plan to maintain and improve it for wildlife. As part of the NRF 15kg of urban pollinator wildflower seed was sown in one of the five new wildflower meadow areas improved for nature at the reserve. Pollinator boost: New Bee & Butterfly border at Calderglen Zoo gardens: One of Calderglen Zoos traditional herbaceous borders has been transformed into a pollinator heaven, targeting bees, butterfly, and moth species, guided by expert advice from the Butterfly Conservation Society. The planting provides butterflies with food, shelter, and environments in which to lay their eggs. This incorporated a balanced mixture of both ornamental and wild species to create a beautiful space full of nectar-rich plants, featuring various trees, shrubs, and herbaceous planting. Appendix 2: Database of pollinator sites in South Lanarkshire The following tables list the grasslands that have been improved for nature since 2021. In total 155 grassland sites have been improved for wildlife equating to 62.77ha. 108
Page 109
Site Type of habitat or management change Area (m2) Ownership Partnership Blantyre Euromix WF 188 SLC Blantyre – Stonefield Park Wildflower 783 SLC Butterfly Conservation Bothwell Road Park Wildflower 795 SLC Butterfly Conservation Cambuslang Park Wildflower 6980 SLC Cambuslang Park Long grass, wildflower 3373 SLC Carluke Long grass, wildflower 430 CCI Carluke Orchard 2752 leased Carluke development Trust Castlebank Park Horti base, wildflower 5633 SLC Castlebank horti group Cathkin relief Road Wildflower, trees, shrubs 95485 SLC Chatelherault CP Amenity to long grass 5584 SLC Crossford Park Biobank 216 SLC Crossford Park Wildflower 506 SLC Buglife Crossford Park Wildflower 17 SLC Buglife Crossford Park Wildflower 27 SLC Buglife Crossford Park Long grass, yellow rattle 105 SLC Buglife Crossford Park Long grass, yellow rattle 297 SLC Buglife Crossford Park Long grass, yellow rattle 210 SLC Buglife Crossford Playpark Wildflower 113 SLC Buglife Fairhill Valley Old tip, wildflower area 30142 SLC Fernbrae Meadows LNR Wildflower, tree planting, allotment 152619 SLC Friends of Fernbrae Meadows Glen Doll, EK Yellow Rattle 82 SLC Greenhall, Milheugh LNR Orchard, beds, wildflowers 1509 SLC Friends of the Calder Greenhall, Milheugh LNR Amenity to long grass 10401 SLC Friends of the Calder Greenhall, Milheugh LNR Amenity to long grass 17178 SLC Friends of the Calder Greenhills biobank Roadside verge 507 SLC Hazelbank Park Wildflower 147 SLC Buglife Hazelbank Park Hedgerow gaps filled with pollinator species 390 SLC Buglife Holmhills Wood Community Park Unmanaged, mixed grassland, scrub, pond edge 11611 SLC Friends group Kirkfieldbank Verge wild carrot mix 53 SLC Kirkfieldbank Long grass, yellow rattle added 2965 SLC Buglife Kirkfieldbank Wildflower 183 SLC Buglife Kirkfieldbank Hedgerow gaps filled with pollinator species 85 SLC Buglife Kirkfieldbank Community Orchard Orchard, wildflowers 15537 private Kirkfieldbank community orchard Lanark Verge wild carrot mix 75 SLC Lanark Roundabout wild carrot mix 166 SLC Lanark – Bellefield Road Wildflower 274 SLC Buglife Lanark – Castlebank Wildflower 1587 SLC Buglife 109
Page 110
Site Type of habitat or management change Area (m2) Ownership Partnership Lanark – Castlebank Wildflower 1313 SLC Buglife Lanark – Castlebank Pollinator shrubs 104 SLC Buglife, Castlebank Horti group Lanark – Castlebank Wildflower 72 SLC Buglife, Castlebank Horti group Lanark – Castlebank Wildflower 69 SLC Buglife, Castlebank horti group Lanark – Castlebank Wildflower 10 SLC Buglife, Castlebank horti group Lanark – Castlebank Pollinator shrubs 11 SLC Buglife, Castlebank horti group Lanark – Castlebank Pollinator shrubs 11 SLC Buglife Castlebank horti group Lanark – Kildare Yellow Rattle 1267 SLC Buglife Lanark – Kildare Wildflower 583 SLC Buglife Lanark – St Leonards St Bulbs 107 SLC Buglife Lanark – St Leonards St Bulbs 87 SLC Buglife Lanark Loch Verge wild carrot mix 978 SLC Lanark Loch Long grass yellow rattle 1763 SLC Buglife Lanark Loch Long grass yellow rattle 242 SLC Buglife Lanark Loch Wildflower 311 SLC Buglife Lanark Moor Sensory Garden Various 1484 SLC CCI Lanark Moor Country Park Wildflower 385 SLC Buglife Lanark Moor CP Wildflower 1638 SLC Buglife Lanark Moor CP Wildflower 1272 SLC Buglife Lanark Moor CP Orchard & long grass 291 SLC Buglife Lanark Racecourse Wildflower 614 SLC Buglife Lanark Racecourse Long grass, yellow rattle 1984 SLC Buglife Lanark Racecourse Long grass yellow rattle 1625 SLC Buglife Lanark Racecourse Wildflower 509 SLC Buglife Langlands Moss LNR Long grass, wildflower 575 SLC Friends of LM Linn Crescent, Linnville, KFB Wildflower 153 SLC Buglife Linn Crescent, Linnville, KFB Wildflower 256 SLC Buglife Overtoun Park Biobank 286 SLC GROW73 Priory Bing Long grass, wildflower, scrub 158817 SLC Stonehouse Park 54m 44 SLC Stonehouse Park Wildflower 82 SLC Stonehouse Park Wildflower 22 SLC Stonehouse Park Wildflower 23 SLC Stonehouse Park Wildflower 85 SLC Stonehouse Park Wildflower 40 SLC Strathaven Park Biobank, native hedge, wet 759 SLC Strathaven Park Long grass 153 SLC Strathaven Park Long grass 1109 SLC 110
Page 111
Site Type of habitat or management change Area (m2) Ownership Partnership Strathaven Park Long grass 249 SLC Strathaven Park Biobank with wet area 265 SLC Strathaven Park Wildflower 50 SLC Strathaven Park Wildflower 160 SLC Strathaven Park Wildflower 1299 SLC Strathaven Park Orchard with unmown grass 283 SLC Total Area m2 550445 Total area Ha 55.04 Nature Restoration Fund 2021/22 Grassland Improvements / Location Area Cathkin Road Bulbs 1450 East Kilbride Area Glen Shee Park 360 Whitemoss 40 High Common Road interchange 1000 Mauchline 100 Scalpay 100 Lammermoor 100 Newlandsmuir loop Road 1000 Derwentwater 1000 Hamilton Area Woodhead underpasses 3738 Woodean, Ballantrae, Priory Calder Greenhall wildflower plus tree planting 8500 Clydesdale Area 63 locations 60000 Total area m2 77388 Total area ha 7.73 The map below highlights the location and extent of the improved grassland areas in Lanark. 111
Page 112
The map below highlights the location and extent of the improved grassland areas in Strathaven. The map below highlights the location and extent of the improved grassland areas in Cambuslang. 112
Page 113
Appendix 3: References for support and further information General guidance and information • IUCN guides to conserving pollinators, including pollinator friendly cities and a guide for citizens. • Buglife pollinator hub: guidance, advice and case studies. • Naturescot pollinator resources: videos, species information, land management advice • Plantlife: managing grassland road verges • Butterfly Conservation Scotland provides guidance and case studies. Grassland management • Save our magnificent meadows: advice on managing various types of grassland, for example: urban • Conservation evidence: restoring species rich grassland benefits various wildlife. Effective grassland management techniques include grazing, adding plant species and mowing. Time taken for effectiveness of grassland community restoration various from under five years to under ten years. • Conservation evidence: use of wildflower strips or blocks provides benefit to various wildlife. • Falkirk Council: Sustainable Grassland Management Pilot report This project trialled changes to manage grassland at 35 greenspace sites (including parks and road verges). The changes helped to create diverse and healthy greenspaces for local people to enjoy. Pollinators and biodiversity of grasslands • Improving grassland verge and amenity grassland: Pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies benefit from the plants and flowers in road verges, which form a network of “corridors” that provide food and shelter. They found that verges can be dramatically improved for pollinators by measures such as reducing nutrient levels in the soils, creating flower-rich verges, reducing mowing. • Enhancing pollinator biodiversity in intensive grasslands: Extensification of conventional grass management by stopping fertilization, reducing cutting frequency and not grazing, benefits butterflies. However, to enhance bumblebees requires a more interventionist approach in the form of sowing flower‐rich habitat. • Plant–pollinator networks in grassland working landscapes reveal seasonal shifts in network structure and composition: native bee abundance showed no relationship with floral abundance and instead was positively associated with floral richness in our system suggests conservation actions should promote native floristic resources to benefit native bees. Grasslands for people • A step into the unmown creates a ‘win-win’ for wildlife and humans Creating unmown areas in an urban park can significantly increase flowers and pollinating insects while also leading to a greater enjoyment of the space by people, according to a University of Sussex study. They found that, during the course of one year, the blocks of unmown land at Saltdean Oval saw a three-fold increase in the density of flowers, while the numbers of flower- visiting insects such as bees, butterflies and moths was up to five times higher in the least-mown areas compared with the areas mown regularly as normal, every two weeks. A public opinion survey of the park’s users revealed that more than a quarter of the visitors said the new land management scheme improved their enjoyment of the park, while 64 percent said their enjoyment was unaffected. In particular, park visitors noted 113
Page 114
that they enjoyed more colour brought in by wildflowers and butterflies. Only one in ten said the scheme had led to a decrease in their enjoyment. • Public attitudes toward biodiversity friendly greenspace When asking about converting lawns into meadows for the sake of biodiversity, we found strong support by urban populations across Europe. This clearly stresses the need and the opportunity to consider biodiversity conservation as mandatory aspect of future policies for public greenspace and city planning. Due to the wide geographic gradient across 19 cities differing in size, climate and culture, this study conveys several important messages to stakeholders in and out-side Europe. Most prominently, our study encourages everybody concerned with greenspace planning and management to engage in urban biodiversity conservation, as this is clearly supported for by large parts of urban populations. From our results, we conclude that measures to manage greenspaces more biodiversity-friendly should achieve an overall tidy and neat appearance. Thus, both near-natural but also more classical elements of urban greenery could be combined, such as lawn-like mowing strips along the edges of tall-grass meadows. In parallel, environmental education and information are crucial measures to address sceptical members of society, especially those that are older, those perceiving wild urban nature as potential health risk and those that use greenspaces for only few activities. Taking into account these prerequisites, the doors for biodiversity conservation in public greenspaces seem to be widely open, with potential benefits for biodiversity, but also for the well-being of the city residents. Grasslands and carbon storage • Grasslands more reliable carbon sink than trees where increasing temperatures make wildfires more likely [North America]. • Huge carbon stores under grasslands discovered: A nationwide [UK] survey by ecologists has revealed that over 2 billion US tons of carbon is stored deep under the UK’s grasslands. Findings suggest that by managing our grasslands in a less intensive way, soil carbon storage could be important to our future global carbon targets but will also bring benefits for biodiversity conservation.” • Links Between grasslands and carbon storage: Grasslands, because of their expanse and high carbon density, are a prominent part of that global carbon cycle. One of the most significant roles of native [Canada] grasslands is that they act as a repository of carbon already stored. Therefore, where possible, leaving large tracts of native prairie intact will likely have the greatest overall benefit. Although a great deal of work has been done in recent years, estimates of carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems worldwide vary widely and more work is still required. Appendix 4: Acronyms BC Butterfly Conservation BDIP Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan CAG Countryside and Greenspace Team CCI Clydesdale Community Initiatives ES SLC Environmental Services FOC Friends of the Calder FOHWCP Friends of Holmhills Wood Community Park FOLM Friends of Langlands Moss GAT Green Action Trust 114
Page 115
GCV GS Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Trust SLC Grounds Services INNS Invasive, Non-Native Species LNCS Local Nature Conservation Sites LNR Local Nature Reserves NS NatureScot PED SLC Planning and Economic Development RT SLC Roads and Transportation SLBP South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership SLC South Lanarkshire Council VDL Vacant and Derelict Land 115
Page 116
116
Page 117
Report Agenda Item To: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date: 29 November 2023 Report by: Executive Director, Community and Enterprise Resources Subject: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) 1. Purpose of this Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: - Provide an update on the status of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) network across South Lanarkshire and the City Region 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): (1) the contents of the report relating to the current EVCI network and the proposed next steps to expand to meet future demand. 3. Background 3.1. The Scottish Government has pledged to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans across Scotland by 2032. The National Transport Strategy 2 Delivery Plan and Climate Change Update as published in December 2020 contains several specific proposals to deliver these commitments. The UK Government has also pledged to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars (excluding some hybrids) from 2035, noting a recent change from the previous 2030 commitment. 3.2. The Council has been installing and operating public EVCI for many years with the first chargers installed and operational in 2010. The development of a network of chargers throughout the council area has been mainly funded through Transport Scotland’s annual ChargePlace Scotland (CPS) grant, although other sources of funding have been utilised in recent years. 80 charge points were also provided as part of Project PACE during 2020/21. 3.3. Our focus thus far has been on the introduction of charging hubs with the aim of all residents in South Lanarkshire to be living within a short distance of a hub with multiple charge points. To date the council has installed 153 publicly available dual outlet charge points across multiple hubs throughout the area. 3.4. Locations can be found at the following website www.chargeplacescotland.org and Appendix 1 also provides more detail. 3.5. In 2021, the Department for Transport wrote to all Local Authorities advising them of the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme. This is an initiative available for Local Authorities to bid for funding to provide on-street electric vehicle charging points in residential streets. 6 117
Page 118
3.6. Investigations identified several locations for the introduction of on-street EVCI and funding was awarded. 12 On-street residential points have now been installed throughout the Council area. The use of these on-street charge points will be monitored to determine the level of demand for such infrastructure. 3.7. The current EVCI numbers for all public charge points across South Lanarkshire are summarised in the below table. Dual Outlet Standard (7kW) Charge Points Dual Outlet Fast (22kW) Charge Points Dual Outlet Rapid (50kW) Charge Points Total 72 43 38 153 4. Tariff 4.1. During the early phases of implementation there was an expectation by Transport Scotland that there would be no tariffs for the users of any EVCI. This was to help support a wider uptake of electric vehicles. 4.2. Whilst the initial provision of this electricity at no cost aided the initial move to electric vehicle use, continuing to cover the costs of the electricity consumed along with ongoing maintenance costs created an unsustainable pressure on Council budgets. In November 2022, a tariff for the use of the EVCI network was introduced to cover the costs associated with operating the network. 4.3. The charging tariff was initially set at £0.27 per kWh for use of the slow/fast chargers and £0.40 for use of the rapid chargers. A £30 overstay fee which is applied to the rapid chargers after 60 minutes was also introduced. This tariff was introduced to cover electricity, maintenance, back office transactions and replacement of units at end of life. 4.4. With the option to charge their car for free removed, charging habits changed and those with the ability to home charge or charge less did so. This has led to a significant reduction in charge point usage both in terms of the number of charging sessions and the energy drawn. 4.5. This along with increasing electricity and back office costs had an impact on the potential estimated annual revenue generated. Continuing with this tariff would not have provided enough income to plan for end-of-life replacement or provide any capital to invest into the expansion of the network or cover the ongoing operating costs. An expected increase in electricity cost by 60% from the then £0.21 per kW to £0.33 per kW would have resulted in the network running at a financial loss. 4.6. A revised charging tariff of £0.40 per kW for the use of standard / fast chargers and £0.70 per kW for rapid chargers was subsequently introduced on 2 May 2023. The overstay fee remained the same at £30 for exceeding 60 minutes while using a rapid charger. The revised tariff is also reflective of the tariff in place at neighbouring authorities and remains under review. 5. Usage 5.1. The below charts detail the usage of the EVCI network since June 2022. Note the significant reduction in usage since the introduction of the tariff in November 2022. 118
Page 119
5.2. In the last 12-month period, the EVCI has delivered energy enabling vehicles to travel 10,072,696 miles. This is based on an average of 3.5 miles per kW. 0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000 Usage (Kw) 0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000 No. of Sessions 0 200000 400000 600000 800000 1000000 1200000 1400000 1600000 1800000 2000000 Miles Travelled 119
Page 120
5.3. In the last 12-month period, the EVCI has resulted in a reduction of CO2 exhaust emissions of 2,230,095 kg. The average CO2 emissions per car has been taken from https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/average-co2-emissions-car-uk 6. Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy and Expansion Plan 6.1. In 2022/23 Transport Scotland launched the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (EVIF) to support the expansion of the network. This funding will be provided over a 4-year period with funding for the 2022/2023 financial year allocated to developing a strategy and expansion plan. The strategy identifies future infrastructure requirements, locations for new charge points and commercial options to achieve this. 6.2. South Lanarkshire Council together with the 7 other Local Authorities that form the Glasgow City Region (GCR), has pooled resources to develop individual strategies which feed into a regional report. 6.3. This report sets out how South Lanarkshire Council need to invest in EVCI to meet projected demand over the next three-to-four years. The potential EVCI expansion would see an increase in EVCI from an existing 185 publicly and privately provided charging devices, to 1,283 by the end of 2026. This a very ambitious target, but one that is important to strive towards. 6.4. It is estimated that that 331 charge points will be installed by independent providers without any intervention from the public sector leaving 767 charge points required to be installed as part of this programme. The cost to provide the 767 charge points is estimated to be in the region of £12m. 6.5. Private sector financing is likely be central to the business case as affordability constraints will make it challenging for the public sector to finance the extensive implementation of charge points. 6.6. The commercial model the council chooses to implement will generate capital and operating costs as well as operating revenue. The commercial model determines how these costs and revenues are distributed across public and private sector parties. 0 50000 100000 150000 200000 250000 300000 350000 400000 450000 Reduction in exhaust emmissions CO2 (KG's) 120
Page 121
6.7. Over the last 6 months a Senior Officers Group has been guiding the next steps in terms of the GCR network expansion. This included the interpretation of feasibility reports, assessment of risk, skills and resources available, financial matters, and engagement directly with the private sector. 6.8. The conclusion from this group is a clear recommendation to explore a collaborative concessionary model across GCR. This approach is expected to receive wider City Region support during the autumn period. 6.9. In a concession model, the public sector and private sector share the legal rights and responsibilities of owning the charging infrastructure. This includes owning the physical charging points, related equipment, and any associated assets. The level of ownership and therefore risk the public sector keeps would be determined within the contractual agreement. 6.10. The private sector takes responsibility for the day-to-day functioning and management of the charging infrastructure. This encompasses various tasks such as considering pricing tariffs, ensuring regular maintenance, handling technical support, and expanding the infrastructure as needed. 6.11. The concession model allows local authorities to have a strong say in EVCI locations, ensuring that all communities can access charge points, and not just allowing the market to pick the most profitable areas. A portfolio of sites can be identified with higher use sites being used to cross subsidise lower use sites which can help enable a comprehensive network across the city region. 6.12. The proposed next steps are therefore to explore a collaborative concessionary model and that the City Region and Senior Officers’ Group will:- Actively engage with other city regions and localities that have already established joints local authority models to fully inform the process and the resources they required to establish their model. Engage with Transport Scotland to explore the use of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (EVIF) to establish the proposed approach; and Work with Scottish Futures Trust and Transport Scotland to identify the specific skills (legal, procurement, financial) and resourcing that will be required to develop such a commercial model and set out options of where these could be secured. 7. Employee Implications 7.1. The expansion of the charge point network as outlined in the strategy and expansion plan will require significant employee resources. To minimise this impact, it is likely that partnership with other Glasgow City Region authorities will continue and will be kept under review. 8. Financial Implications 8.1. This report does not currently set out any specific financial implications, but to expand the network as necessary, private sector investment will be required to supplement any available national government funding. This situation will be a key consideration of the City Region officers group as the project progresses to the next steps. 121
Page 122
9. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 9.1. The transition from petrol / diesel vehicles to electric vehicles will provide a significant benefit in terms of climate change, sustainability, and environmental implications. 10. Other Implications 10.1. There are no significant risks associated with this report. 11. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Arrangements 11.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy and therefore, no impact assessment or consultation arrangements are required. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 16 November 2023 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values Focused on people and their needs. Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent Ambitious, self-aware, and improving Fair, open, and sustainable Priorities We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places. We will work to recover, progress, and improve. Outcomes Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live. Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities. People live the healthiest lives possible. Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References Executive Committee 13 September 2023 – Parking – Penalty Charge Notices List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Colin Park, Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services Tel: 01698 454484 E-mail: Colin.Park@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 122
Page 123
Appendix 1 Location Town Dual Outlet Rapid (50kW) Dual Outlet Fast (22kW) Dual Outlet Standard (7kW) EVCI Hubs Carlisle Road Abington 3 1 0 Kirkstyle Car Park Biggar 0 0 1 Coatshill Avenue Blantyre 1 1 1 Green Street Bothwell 0 0 1 Bridge Street Cambuslang 2 5 3 Cambuslang Gate Cambuslang 0 0 1 Newton Station Park & Ride Cambuslang 0 0 2 Carluke Lifestyles Carluke 0 0 1 Carluke Park and Ride Carluke 0 0 2 Carnwath Road Carluke 1 2 0 Park Street Carluke 0 2 0 John Mann Car Park Carnwath 1 0 2 Carstairs Community Hall Carstairs 0 0 2 Coalburn Leisure Centre Coalburn 1 1 1 Bellstane Ave Car Park Crawford 2 2 0 Smugglers Brigg Rd Crossford 1 1 0 Braehead Car Park Douglas 0 0 1 Ally McCoist Centre East Kilbride 0 0 2 Calderglen Country Pk East Kilbride 1 2 1 Calderwood Community Hall East Kilbride 0 0 2 Civic Centre East Kilbride 0 0 4 James Hamilton Heritage Loch East Kilbride 2 0 0 John Wright Sports Centre East Kilbride 2 1 2 Old Mill Road East Kilbride 2 4 1 Village Theatre East Kilbride 0 0 1 Chatelherault Ferniegair 4 2 3 Chatelherault Station Ferniegair 0 0 2 Forth Main Street Forth 1 1 0 Bothwell Street Hamilton 0 0 4 Brandon Street Hamilton 0 0 2 Duke Street Multi Storey Car Park Hamilton 0 0 7 Hamilton Palace Sports Ground Hamilton 0 1 0 Keith Street Hamilton 1 0 0 Low Park Museum Hamilton 1 0 1 123
Page 124
Montrose Crescent Hamilton 1 0 2 Bernards Wynd Lanark 0 0 1 Kildare Road Lanark 3 1 0 Lanark Lifestyles Lanark 1 2 0 Lanark Park and Ride Lanark 0 0 1 McNeill Street Larkhall 2 3 0 Q&A Car Park, Caledonian Road Larkhall 0 0 1 Langdykeside Lesmahagow 0 2 0 Caledonia Avenue Rutherglen 0 0 2 King Street Rutherglen 0 2 2 Regent Drive Car Park Rutherglen 2 2 0 Common Green Strathaven 0 0 1 Station Road Carpark Strathaven 0 2 0 Strathaven Park Strathaven 3 2 0 Old Mill Road Uddingston 0 1 0 On Street Residential Glenfruin Road Blantyre 0 0 1 Jedburgh Street Blantyre 0 0 1 Lindores Drive East Kilbride 0 0 1 Seymour Green East Kilbride 0 0 1 Falkland Place East Kilbride 0 0 1 Fairhill Avenue Hamilton 0 0 1 Nevis Avenue Hamilton 0 0 1 Ratho Park Hamilton 0 0 1 Chaple Street Hamilton 0 0 2 Hunters Way Kirkmuirhill 0 0 1 Landemer Drive Rutherglen 0 0 1 38 43 72 124