The Environment Focus Group of the CTTCNF believe that there is not enough green space being created as part of the Toton and Chetwynd Barracks Strategic Masterplan. It states a minimum of 16ha which is not enough to meet the needs of the growing Toton and Chilwell populations. The new Environment Act also requires the formation of Nature Recovery Networks and expects at least a 10% biodiversity gain as a result of any new development. We don’t see how this can be achieved in our area with the present Masterplan. Natural England wants Broxtowe Borough Council to participate in the Nature Recovery Partnership and make reference to the Green Infrastructure National Standards projects which are noted but it appears not acted upon.
The Key Principles for Nature Networks for wildlife and people are:
1. Understand the place: Recognise where the nature network will sit, in terms of how the natural characteristics of the area generate conditions for different habitats and how the cultural landscape character has evolved and is valued.
2. Create a vision: for your nature network and be clear about your objectives: specify what the ultimate goals are for the network, identify the spatial scale, and the environmental and societal aspects that are important.
3. Involve people: People both benefit from and create nature networks: plans should engage and be created with the community; recognising that the landscapes and the ecosystems that support species, also provide multiple benefits to people.
4. Create core sites: Core sites are the heart of nature networks; these are places that sustain thriving wildlife populations that may expand across the network. It will often be best to build core areas of nature networks by enlarging, connecting and improving existing high quality wildlife sites.
5. Build resilience: Enhance the resilience of landscapes, ecosystems and their ecosystem services through restoration that reinstates natural processes.
6. Embrace dynamism: Remember that in a natural state, ecosystems and landscapes change and are inherently dynamic over short and long time scales.
7. Encourage diversity: Nature networks need to include a diverse physical structure. Biological complexity and landscape diversity are important to facilitate resilience.
8. Think ‘networks’: Networks need to be planned at multiple spatial scales and address multiple issues.
9. Start now but plan long-term: Identify the locations that can deliver a coherent nature network, but prioritise those locations that provide the best opportunities for action now, while developing longer term solutions.
10. Monitor progress: evaluate actions and adapt management in the light of results, to achieve long-term aims at local and national scales.
We feel that these principles are lacking in the Masterplan. Remember to have your say by following this link
The following articles are very interesting for those who are interested in the implementation of nature networks.
Lovell, R., White, M.P., Wheeler, B., Taylor, T., Elliott, L. (2020) A rapid scoping review of health and wellbeing evidence for the Green Infrastructure Standards. European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School. For: Natural England, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Public Health England, and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, England.
Crick, H. Q. P., Crosher, I. E., Mainstone, C. P., Taylor S. D., Wharton, A., Langford, P., Larwood, J., Lusardi, J., Appleton, D., Brotherton, P. N. M., Duffield, S. J. & Macgregor N. A. (2020) Nature Networks: A Summary for Practitioners. Natural England Research Report NERR082. Natural England, York.