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Improving Biodiversity in Flintshire

Published: 16/11/2022

Flintshire County Council Cabinet Members will welcome the progress made against the Council’s Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan 2020–2023, when they meet on Tuesday 22 November. 

‘Supporting Nature in Flintshire’ is the Council’s plan to protect and enhance biodiversity and deliver its duty under Section 6 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.  

Achievements include:

• Engaging and supporting participation and understanding to embed biodiversity throughout decision making in the Authority;
• Recognition of biodiversity value across key documents including council plans and policies; 
• Altering amenity grass management in favour of wildflower diversity and using non-chemical weed control system across 11.8 hectares to ensure grassland is managed in a nature friendly way;
• Delivering externally funded biodiversity projects including, orchard and tree planting, pond restoration, native wildflower and bulb planting;
• Producing events to inspire, educate and engage the public including Bioblitz and butterfly species recording events, bat and plant walks and talks, our wonderful woods day, volunteer task events and more; 
• Supporting Flintshire Eco Champions biodiversity and sustainability programme for primary schools;  
• Species monitoring programmes for protected or at risk species often working with volunteers; 
• Works to address the threat of ash dieback and a continued tree planting programme in line with Urban Tree and Woodland Plan, planting over 23,000 trees in the last 4 years.

The Council is committed to continuing to expand and improve its work to support local biodiversity which will contribute to tackling the climate and nature crisis we face.  

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economy, Councillor David Healey, said:

“The progress which Flintshire County Council has made in its delivery of the Biodiversity Duty Delivery Plan is certainly something to celebrate.  

“We have a responsibility to function sustainability and lead by example when it comes to protecting and enhancing our natural environment. 

“This progress is impressive. I am delighted with the report and the significant amount of progress officers have made to deliver on our objectives, which are essential in meeting the challenge of reversing the decline in biodiversity and making positive steps towards our carbon efficiency and climate change strategy.”

The Council will report to Welsh Government in January 2023 on their ongoing work associated with improving biodiversity.