Council looking for ideas on boosting biodiversity

A city council report says the "benefits of interacting with green and biodiverse spaces is well known"

People are being asked to have their say on how a local authority can improve biodiversity.

Peterborough City Council has outlined ideas for how it can increase the amount of wildlife and support a more diverse number of species.

Its land includes 112 county wildlife sites and 19 protected sites.

The council's new biodiversity report includes plans to expand education at schools and among the public, encourage social prescribing, and ensure new roads make space for nature.

The report states: "The benefits of interacting with green and biodiverse spaces is well known, however public understanding of these spaces and the potential risks of them is not always well understood.

"Primary and secondary schools are a suitable environment for both teaching about wildlife and encouraging people to use green spaces."

It adds that the council's public health service could educate people about the health benefits of spending time in nature.

The Nene Washes is a site of international importance

Other sections consider the tension between development and biodiversity, particularly when it comes to new roads.

"Highways projects often are not required to go through the regular planning process, yet due to their nature and scale they have the potential to create significant impacts on biodiversity," the report says.

It recommends considering biodiversity "at the outset of scheme development" and going beyond "statutory requirements".

Residents are being asked to read and comment on the report as part of a public consultation that ends on 22 December.

Angus Ellis, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Like all councils, we are fully committed to ensuring we carry out our biodiversity duties and it is imperative that we have guidelines to help achieve this.

"This report will essentially act as a roadmap for helping us achieve best practice as required by the government.

"We want to hear residents' views and suggestions before proceeding, so I would urge everyone to please take part in this consultation."