Greenprint Steering Group Meeting Minutes Greenprint Steering Group Meeting Q4

Location: Blyth Room, East Suffolk House

Date: Tuesday 05 November 2024

Time: 10:00-12:00

Invited: Anne Westover (guest), Betsy Reid, Chris Ryde, Daniel Wareing, Jamie Bretton, Jane Healey, Laurence Moss, Luke Bennett, Paul Mackie, Rachel Smith Lyte, Sally Noble, Susan Harvey

In attendance in person: Anne Westover (guest), Betsy Reid, Daniel Wareing, Jamie Bretton, Jane Healey, Luke Bennett, Paul Mackie, Rachel Smith Lyte, Susan Harvey

In attendance via zoom: Laurence Moss, Sally Noble

Apologies: Chris Ryde

Agenda

  1. Welcome and Introductions
  2. Discussion on Hedges and trees (AW)
  3. Update on Nature First small grants (DW)
  4. Update on plans for next Forum – on topic of climate anxiety (DW, JB)
  5. ESC updates (PM)
  6. Updates from Steerers
  7. Any other business
  8. Dates of next meetings

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Discussion on Hedges and trees (AW)

Summary of 1998 – 2012 Tress & Hedgerow Survey

  • AW: A countywide hedgerow survey was conducted by parish volunteers and tree wardens, covering 317 parishes in Suffolk. The survey, completed in 30-metre intervals, documented every hedge, noting species, landscape type, hedge condition, and connections to nearby water bodies.
  • Approximately 45,000 hedgerows were recorded, and findings are accessible on the ESC website under the Local Plans document. This data helps determine suitable species for planting and offers insights into hedgerow composition, which remains relevant despite climate shifts. The data could be used to aid ESC’s Trees and Hedgerows plan

Species Selection and Adaptation:

  • Using species mixtures that match local ecosystems is crucial for ESC’s tree strategy. It may be valuable to incorporate species common in southern regions, as some, like beech trees, are migrating westward due to climate changes.
  • Woodbridge to obtained free hedge packs from the Woodland Trust and will work with local tree wardens for guidance on suitable planting.

Additional Monitoring and Discussion Points:

  • Monitoring moth activity could enhance understanding of ecological health, but more details are needed.
  • RSL: Suggests allowing species to self-seed naturally, as trees and hedges can regenerate. Disease management for hedgerows and trees is also a topic of interest.
  • DW: Enquired about ESC’s role in supporting these local connections, which have historically been facilitated by the council.
  • SH: “Stop and Watch”

Actions and Next Steps:

  • Plan a discussion on disease management for hedgerow and tree species, potentially involving tree wardens for further education.
  • Arrange for a tree warden to attend the next meeting. DW and JH to contact Richard Fisher in Stowmarket for participation.

3. Update on Nature First small grants (DW)

  • Relaunched in October, the ESC grant scheme has already received two applications.
  • A panel meeting is tentatively scheduled in the few weeks to review applications, requiring a minimum of three panel members to make decisions. DW will present the applications.
  • The scheme is funded with £30,000 from ESC and is anticipated to run for approximately two years, subject to rate of applications received.

4. Update on plans for next Forum – on topic of climate anxiety (DW, JB)

  • Progress: Planning is underway for a February forum focused on climate anxiety, allowing time for input from the new Youth Council which will have formed and agreed its own priorities by that time.
  • Speakers & Stakeholders: Suffolk Mind has shown interest in speaking. Other potential contributors include the East of England Local Government Association (EELGA), with stakeholder having HR expertise, the Climate Psychology Alliance, and Chip Climate Café in Ipswich. The conference will prioritise practical, action-oriented tools over academic perspectives to avoid a focus on “doom and gloom.”
  • Potential Venues: The Cut (Halesworth), Market Hall (Saxmundham), East Point Pavilion (Lowestoft), and Seagull Theatre (Lowestoft). Alternatively, online

Actions:

  • Alternatives formats (webinar online, and hybrid) to be considered for wider accessibility. An options paper will be drafted by JB to outline feasibility and where feasible the pros and cons of the various options.
  • DW and JB to create poll to members to gauge preferences.
  • Additional Ideas: Consideration of a portable forum package to offer schools, led by action taken by JB.

5. ESC updates (PM)

Tree and Hedgerow Motion Update

  • Tree Planting Initiative: Led by Cllr Noble, ESC aims to plant 250,000 trees across the district. A “call for land” will encourage landowners to submit land suitable for planting. ESC also seeks to protect and maintain existing trees to promote long-term health and resilience.
  • Funding and Resources: Currently, there’s no set deadline or specific funding allocated. However, ESC is exploring the potential of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) to unlock additional funds.
  • Integration with Net Zero Goals: Service plans are aligned with ESC’s Net Zero strategy, which remains an evolving document.

Related Projects and Partnerships

  • Solar and Energy Efficiency: ESC collaborates with county-level initiatives like Solar Together, which supports thousands of solar panel installations. This year was particularly successful.
  • Nature at Work Project: Set to launch over the winter and spring, this project includes new signage and enhancements across 10 locations, with schools expressing interest in participation.

Community Incentives

  • Discounts on Home Efficiency: ESC provides a 50% discount on loft installations to encourage home energy efficiency.
  • Offering 0% loans for energy efficiency projects and implementing the Suffolk Solar School Climate Action Fund to install solar PV on secondary schools.

This coordinated approach supports environmental and sustainability goals across multiple sectors in East Suffolk.

6. Updates from Steerers

Parish Cluster Projects (BR)

  • Northern Cluster: Developing a general water strategy to address water management and conservation in the northern parishes.
  • Southern Cluster: Focusing on a tree and hedgerow strategy, with considerations for churchyard management. The approach will begin with smaller initiatives, such as “gapping up” hedgerows and fostering cooperation among parishes to create habitat corridors. Emphasis is on collaborative, joined-up thinking and ongoing local partnerships.

Community Partnership (CP) Initiatives (LB)

  • An increasing number of Community Partnerships (CPs) are prioritising environmental goals. The CP Board’s current focus includes transport and travel; a report on these topics, commissioned by the council, is expected to be presented to the cabinet in January. This initiative aligns with the Climate, Water, Waste, and Cycling Walking & Wheeling Working Groupand the efforts of the sustainable travel officer, creating a stronger framework for sustainable travel initiatives.

Water Emergency Advocacy

  • A water emergency paper was developed and shared with district councillors, prompting greater engagement with local councils. There is potential for the Greenprint Forum to engage with the local MP to leverage connections, especially to understand the MP's policies and stance on environmental matters.

7. Any other business

None

8. Dates of next meetings

  • 18 February 2025

Future meetings to be held in hybrid form (in person with facility for others to tune in via Zoom if needed) if held at ESC offices, unless held at a community venue with or without a site visit combined in which case it would be in person only.

Suggested location to combine a visit to Spectra in Halesworth. Produce plastic bottles from recycled material from Brazil. Produce lotion bottles. ACTION DW to contact Spectra about visit tour.