The RBWM Environment & Climate Strategy
June 2019 RBWM declared an environment & climate emergency!
" The issues driving this decision were, and remain, some of the most challenging ever faced by humanity, with our climate changing on a scale and pace that threatens our way of life and that of future generations.
We are now more aware than ever of the threat that climate change poses, and we are confident that if we take urgent and real action, we can turn back this tide.
Our vision is to be a Borough where the community collectively works together to achieve a sustainable future, protecting and enhancing our natural environment and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050."
The strategy formation was spearheaded by a cross-party councillor working group, supported by officers and with input from key stakeholders in the community and various environmental groups, and was approved by the council for public consultation in June 2020.
The Environment and Climate Strategy sets out the Council's vision and actions to achieve the Borough's net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050 and our five year approach to working in partnership with local communities to tackle this challenge. It will drive the decisions, resources and actions we make across all our activities.
The Environment and Climate Strategy focuses on four key themes:
- Circular Economy: More sustainable resource use, increasing recycling rates and supporting less resource-intensive lifestyles.
- Energy: Reducing consumptions and decarbonising our supply of energy.
- Natural Environment: Supporting biodiversity, health and wellbeing.
- Transport: Reduce the need for carbon intensive travel by encouraging walking and cycling, as well as investing in digital infrastructure.
The Environment and Climate Strategy was approved by Cabinet on Thursday 17 December 2020.
The RBWM Biodiversity Action Plan
December 2022 the "BAP" is finally adopted
After a couple of rejections at Cabinet level and check ins with some stakeholders the Biodiversity Action Plan, affectionally referred to as The BAP, was adopted by RBWM Cabinet on 15th December 2022.
" The Biodiversity Action Plan is the key pillar of the natural environment theme of our Environment and Climate Strategy, which seeks to protect and enhance the natural environment, green our towns and urban areas and increase awareness of biodiversity. Therefore, the overarching approach is based on those objectives. The overarching vision for our Biodiversity Action Plan is:
‘To reverse the decline in our natural environment and through better data, partnerships and direct action to increase biodiversity across the borough’
In support of this, we will work with the other Berkshire Authorities to support the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) ‘Wilder’ target to have 30% of land for nature by 2030. We will also support the national commitment that has been made to well-connected and effectively managed systems of Protected Areas which are protected to support the recovery of nature.
The purpose of the biodiversity action plan is to create a robust set of steps that helps us reverse the decline in our natural environment and through better data, partnerships and direct action increase biodiversity across the borough. Its important that we build on the many fantastic initiatives going on already being led by residents, community groups, landowners and business." - RBWM Natural Environment Officers
BAP progress updates will be available on the Biodiversity Action Plan | RBWM Together webpage.
Our BAP will be one of the strategy documents contributing to the county wide Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Priority Habitats
The BAP in Pictures.
This slide details who the identified stakeholders are and the expected timeline of the document as well as explaining how the following keys work.
Woodland HAP
Preserving ancient woodland and expanding new copses to ensure sustainable woodland for future generations.
Grassland HAP
enriching the biodiversity of the 80+ local wildlife sites in the Borough. Farmland with the ELMS and Local Nature Recovery Strategy programmes will be a key contributor to achieving this strategy.
Waterways HAP
flowing water - work also supported by RBWM River Rangers Eton Wick Waterways Group & Maidenhead Waterways Group. includes promoting cleaner water and sustainable utility.
Standing Water HAP
Garden ponds, scraps, ponds at crematoriums and local wildlife sites as well as quarries used for recreation.
Urban HAP
From balconies and back gardens, parks, allotments, schools, local orchards, road vergers, banks & railway sidings to parish council spaces. The Borough is fortunate to have so many pockets of green and the opportunity to connect them all to strengthen the green corridors.
Priority Species & how you can get involved.
Hedgehogs
Stag Beetles & Invertebrates
Hedgehogs
Bats
Stag Beetles & Invertebrates
Hedgehogs
Identified as a priority species within the Woodland HAP. Bats are a key indicator species and natural pest control in all the habitats listed within the BAP. Wild Eton Wick are championing the species and leading the Wilds activities to contribute to data collection, (bat map and survey results) and habitat improvement for bats.
Stag Beetles & Invertebrates
Stag Beetles & Invertebrates
Stag Beetles & Invertebrates
Dormice
Garden & Field Birds
Stag Beetles & Invertebrates
These nocturnal icons are rarely seen and thought to be currently extinct from the Borough. Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Listed as a European Protected Species under Annex IV of the European Habitats Directive. So are a link indicator species to the wider LNRS project.
Barn Owls
Garden & Field Birds
Garden & Field Birds
Garden & Field Birds
Garden & Field Birds
Garden & Field Birds
This category includes some wonderful migratory visitors to the Borough:
- Swifts
- Swallows
- Sparrows
- Yellow Hammers
- Skylarks
Waterfowl
Slow Worms, Frogs, Toads & Great Crested Newts
Slow Worms, Frogs, Toads & Great Crested Newts
AS well as the ever popular swans, this category includes some illusive species from throughout the Borough:
- Kingfishers
- Water Rail
Slow Worms, Frogs, Toads & Great Crested Newts
Slow Worms, Frogs, Toads & Great Crested Newts
Slow Worms, Frogs, Toads & Great Crested Newts
Wild Maidenhead and Wild Cookham are great champions of threatened frog and toad populations, co-ordinating toad patrol during mating migrations.
Water Vole
Slow Worms, Frogs, Toads & Great Crested Newts
Bluebells & Wild Flowers
Once a common sight along waterways throughout the Borough, predaction by mink has left them almost extinct. Wild Cookham are leading a wonderful and successful reintroduction programme that other local Wilds bordering them are looking to expand on.
Bluebells & Wild Flowers
Bluebells & Wild Flowers
Bluebells & Wild Flowers
Preserving patches of English Bluebells and replanting pollinator positive wild flowers in your outdoor spaces will help all pollinators.
Loddon Lily
Bluebells & Wild Flowers
Loddon Lily
The Loddon Lily is common along the River Thames from Maidenhead to Oxford, as well as other areas of southern England and Europe. It is often called ‘summer snowdrops’ or ‘summer snowflakes’ and each flower has a green tip. However it's success is hampered by frequent flooding.
Penny Royal
Bluebells & Wild Flowers
Loddon Lily
A highly aromatic, creeping perennial producing a mix of upright and spreading stems. Tiny lilac flowers are produced in whorls in summer. This variety of mint is not edible to humans but is adored by pollinators. It's a great addition to your wildflower area.