Achieving Biodiversity: Turning Council Goals into Action – 17th June 2024
Oculus The Gateway Conference Centre, Gatehouse Rd, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF
This event is being run in partnership with BMKALC and Berk, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust to inspire and empower Town Council and Parish Councils to take action for nature locally
Biodiversity refers to the wide array of life on our planet, ranging from tiny insects to small mammals to enormous trees. It encompasses the diversity within species and the intricate ecosystems they inhabit. Biodiversity extends beyond rare species and endangered habitats; it encompasses the entirety of the natural world.
Biodiversity is also about people, and how we use and share the environment with its other living inhabitants. It is very much about the quality of our lives, sustainability of development, and local distinctiveness; a rich and healthy biodiversity is a reflection of a healthy and sustainable community.
Are you ready?
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 placed a duty on public authorities in England to have regard to conserving biodiversity as part of their policy for decision making. Conserving biodiversity can include restoring or enhancing a population or habitat. This duty has been reinforced under the Environment Act 2021, and with Biodiversity Net Gain now mandatory for all developments since 12th February 2024, understanding how you can conserve and enhance biodiversity in your Town or Parish is essential.
Government guidance asking for councils to complete their first consideration of what action to take for biodiversity by 1 January 2024 and agree policies and objectives as soon as possible afterwards was published on 17 May 2023. As a Town or Parish Council, the following are key areas for you to have considered;
- your observations on planning matters
How you manage;
- your land and buildings and green spaces
- community amenities e.g. sports grounds, allotments and cemeteries
- waste and pollution
- energy and water
- wood and plant products
- decisions about procurement.
- consideration to economic, environmental and social programmes.
Join us on June 17th to consider your next steps in delivering your action plan and making a positive impact in your parish, and find out where you access advice and information to help you take action/achieve your goals.
What’s Happening?
Our programme includes keynote addresses from sector experts, speakers from our principal authorities Buckinghamshire Council and Milton Keynes City Council, panel discussions and Q&A sessions to enable delegates to share best practice and inspire future collaboration while highlighting new opportunities.
Our Exhibitors include local groups who have been working with their local authorities to improve biodiversity where they live, local and national conservation and species action groups, and ecological experts.
Book Tickets
Tickets £10 per delegate
This event is being supported by the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Landscape Partnership Scheme, which is made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Tickets include refreshments and light lunch and free parking is available on site.
Exhibitors
Upper Thames, Butterfly Conservation
House Martin and Swift Group
North Bucks Bat group
Future Nature
BBOWT
Bucks and MK NEP
Diocese of Oxford – Wilder Churches
Wild Amersham
Chiltern Society – Community WildBelt Project
Prestwood Nature/Rough around the Hedges
Buckinghamshire Council
Milton Keynes City Council