North Somerset Council

The Nature EmergencyResolved: that North Somerset Council acknowledges and notes: Therefore, in addition to the work already underway to address the climate emergency, this councilformally declares an ecological emergency and resolves to:1. Promote the policy as “tackling the climate and nature emergencies”;2. Whilst recognising the ongoing consultation regarding the new local plan, one of the aims ofthe local plan should be to achieve a biodiversity net gain;3. Use existing planning policy and development management to ensure biodiversity isimproved, environments enriched and the destruction of habitats is resisted whendevelopment occurs. This could be achieved through development of a new SupplementaryPlanning Document (SPD);4. Seek to work actively with partners locally in North Somerset, regionally in the West ofEngland and beyond to drive collaborative action to improve biodiversity;5. Identify areas within North Somerset which could be suitable for habitat restoration andseek to restore them through the council’s emerging Green Infrastructure Strategy, due inApril 2021;6. Seek opportunities to promote local produce and reduce the intensity of agriculture of NorthSomerset through engagement with businesses and farmers;7. Encourage residents, businesses and landowners to reduce pesticide use, and seek tobecome a pesticide-free council;8. Continue to collaborate with our communities, businesses and other organisations such asschools and colleges to improve ecological knowledge and understanding and to encouragemore sensitive land management.see full text of the motion https://n-somerset.moderngov.co.uk/Data/Council/202011101800/Agenda/06.1%20Council%20Motion%20Nature%20Emergency.pdf

— Full Council (Source)