Wildlife to benefit at Cambridge City Council cuts out chemicals in parks
Cambridge City Council is to clamp down on its use of chemicals in parks and open spaces.
The move is part of its ongoing ambition to achieve a measurable net gain in biodiversity for Cambridge. The aim was outlined in a biodiversity emergency motion adopted by the council earlier this year. The motion recognises the immediate global biodiversity emergency and the local impact this could have in the city.
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, executive councillor for planning policy and open spaces, said: “The council has made significant contributions to Cambridge’s biodiversity since the adoption of the 2006 nature conservation strategy. This has seen the designation of 12 nature reserves and numerous community projects, including water course restoration, swift box schemes, wildlife-focused community gardens and large, new natural green spaces within new neighbourhoods.
“However, we recognise we need to do more and one of our next actions will be the publication of a parks biodiversity toolkit.”
It outlines a series of pledges for the next two years and beyond including:
Making council land, parks and open spaces more hospitable to a wide range of plants and animals
Reviewing the council’s nature conservation strategy to include measurable biodiversity net gain
Working with institutions, schools, businesses and community groups to raise awareness and encourage wider biodiversity action across the city.
A significant first step has been to restrict the use of herbicides in parks and open spaces with their use only allowed in special circumstances.
