Biodiversity Policy 2025–2028

About this item

Overview

The Biodiversity Policy 2025–2028 explains how Kesgrave Town Council fulfils its legal duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity in accordance with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and the Environment Act 2021. It commits the Council to making decisions that protect wildlife, habitats, and ecological networks across the town.

Purpose

This policy ensures that the Council considers biodiversity in all its decisions and day-to-day activities. It aligns with Neighbourhood Plan Policy KE5 (Local Green Spaces) and Policy KE6 (Wildlife Conservation) to protect and enhance the town’s green infrastructure and encourage community involvement in environmental care.

Background

Kesgrave is surrounded by a mixture of wooded countryside and agricultural heathland. The Council owns and maintains public open spaces such as Legion Green, the Millennium Sportsground, and Oak Meadow. Community consultation during the Neighbourhood Plan process confirmed that residents value these areas and wish to see them managed for biodiversity and wildlife.

Council Responsibilities

• Consider biodiversity impacts when commenting on planning applications.
• Minimise use of pesticides and herbicides on Council-owned land.
• Work with maintenance contractors and landowners to promote environmentally friendly practices.
• Encourage natural habitats by:
  • Leaving standing and fallen dead wood where safe to support invertebrates.
  • Retaining leaf litter and dead vegetation as habitat.
  • Removing invasive or non-native species that harm local flora or fauna.
  • Leaving wildflower borders when cutting grass.
  • Using non-detrimental weed control methods when safety requires it.
• Support community and voluntary organisations that foster biodiversity initiatives.
• Promote awareness through the Council website and community projects.

Monitoring and Promotion

The Council reviews biodiversity actions annually through the Community and Recreation Committee and publishes progress within its Business Plan 2025–2028. It encourages residents, schools, and local groups to take part in tree planting, habitat creation, and species monitoring.

Download

Download Biodiversity Policy 2025–2028 (PDF)

Contact: For questions about biodiversity projects or environmental management, email enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.gov.uk .