Issue - meetings

Mr Andrew Williams, Parks and Open Spaces Manager, presented a report on the merits of creating a more bio-diverse borough through planting a number of pollinator friendly wildflower grasslands as a pilot project.  The lessons learnt would inform future plans to make the Council’s parks and open spaces more attractive for residents to enjoy and provide a better habitat for wildlife.

The Committee noted that the project was an opportunity for adults and children to get involved in the sowing and onward maintenance of these areas.

In response to questions from the Committee, Officers advised that:-

·  Local schools, community groups, Parish Councils and Ward Councillors would be contacted during January to enable them to get involved.  There would also be an article in the Borough Insight magazine and a Press Release issued.

·  Kent County Council would be advised when areas that are maintained by them are due to be sown to enable the seeds to establish.

·  The meadows should be flowering in June/July 2019 but would not be at their optimum for another year.

·  Fairmeadow had been sown but due to adverse weather conditions, the seeds had not flourished.  This area was due to be resown.

RESOLVED:  That the creation of eight pollinator friendly wildflower and grassland areas to benefit bio-diversity, increase access to nature and make the borough a more attractive place be approved.

Voting:  Unanimous