Issue - meetings
PRESENTATIONS
Meeting: 01/07/2026 - Cabinet Panel on the Environment (Item 6)
PRESENTATIONS
To receive presentations from the following:
1) Abbie Robinson – How Volunteering Can Help to Support Biodiversity
2) MP Chris Hinchliff – Biodiversity and Chalk Streams
3) Heidi Hutton – Hertfordshire County Council Country Management Service (CMS) and Successful CMS Volunteer Projects
Decision:
Presentations were received from Abbie Robinson, MP Chris Hincliff and Heidi Hutton and Andrew Taylor on various topics related to the theme of the meeting ‘Working Together to Achieve More’.
Minutes:
Audio recording – 25 minutes 52 seconds
The Chair informed those present that the UK was one of most nature depleted countries on Earth and that in Hertfordshire specifically, 76 species had been lost in the last 50 years. However, the Chair advised that it was not too late to revive and protect nature, and that community groups, volunteers and institutions played a vital role in restoring nature and biodiversity. The Chair acknowledged that more could be done when work was carried out together, which linked to the theme of the meeting ‘Working Together to Achieve More’.
The Chair invited Abbie Robinson to give a presentation, supported by slides and images, on ‘How Volunteering Can Help to Support Biodiversity’. They thanked the Chair for the opportunity to present and advised that:
· Biodiversity was crucial for the smooth running of ecosystems across the planet, and humans relied upon it for food, medicines and resources.
· Ecosystem stability stemmed on the variety of species.
· Wildflowers were a way to introduce small, varied habitats into an urban setting.
· 97% of wildflower meadows in the UK had been lost since the 1930s.
· Wildflowers provided colour, helped to improve mental health, were a source of food for insects, and became nutrients for soil when they died off.
· Pollinators were big benefiters of wildflower planting, which was a good thing when bees, moths and butterflies were all declining due to climate change.
· Implementing a series of wildflower habitats built corridors across urban landscapes, which prevented them from becoming isolated and stabilised populations.
· Existing projects for pollinators included ‘B-Lines’ by Buglife.
· They had worked with the Council to select areas in Royston for wildflower planting, and the Council had sourced the wildflower mix, cleared and prepared those areas, planted the seeds, and continued to maintain and care for them.
· All the areas selected had succeeded except one because of parked cars.
· Lots of positive responses had been received both on social media and in person following the blooming of wildflowers in 2023, and there had been a desire for more.
· The Community had been keen to get involved, and increasing public knowledge on climate change pressures had elevated this interest.
· Volunteers were crucial as they supplied ideas and people power, and the difference in ages encouraged a positive environment.
· There was scope for volunteering of this kind in Royston, but there could always be more.
· The wildflower patches showed that collaboration could work between the Council and residents, and it was hoped that they could continue working with them, in addition to groups and communities to protect greenspaces and boost biodiversity.
The following Members asked questions:
· Councillor Joe Graziano
· Councillor Bryony May
In response to questions, Councillor Val Bryant advised that they would contact the Grounds Maintenance Manager following the meeting regarding more wildflower planting across the district.
In response to questions, Abbie Robinson advised that they had approached the Council about implementing more wildflower patches, but they would have to follow this up with the Greenspace ... view the full minutes text for item 6