Bridgend Council has backed a motion calling for the local authority to declare a nature emergency.
You can read the full text of the motion – tabled by Cllr. Ian Williams (Ind, Oldcastle) here.
In summary, the motion called for Bridgend Council to declare a nature emergency in line with the Senedd’s declaration in 2021. Also, BCBC should “consider the impact of all decisions made by this authority on the wildlife, nature and biodiversity within our borough.”
Cllr Williams said that 17% of species in Wales were at risk of extinction, with others in decline. Wales remains a long way away from reaching international biodiversity goals. He went on to stress the importance of acting now to ensure nature “remains vibrant and healthy for future generations”.
Cllr. Martin Hughes (Lab, Maesteg East) proposed an amendment – which was agreed – recognising that the current approach to nature decline was limited and that BCBC should work with the Welsh Government to hit targets for nature restoration.
Several councillors pointed out local projects that have made a difference – including Cllr. Elaine Winstanley (Lab, Cornelly) and Cllr. Huw David (Lab, Pyle, Kenfig Hill & Cefn Cribwr). The projects mentioned include tree planting schemes involving local children, as well as extended woodland and newt protection schemes at Pyle’s Frog Pond Woods (pictured) and Cefn Cribwr’s Bedford Park respectively.
Council secures funding for projects
Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment, Cllr. Paul Davies (Lab, Caerau) listed several projects that have benefited from investment and grants. These include £2.3 million towards tree planting and biodiversity schemes, a new community woodland at Aber Fields (Nantymoel) and £800,000 towards biodiversity projects on common and private land.
He added that BCBC now has a dedicated invasive species officer to map where they are and begin the process of controlling or removing them.
Not everyone was happy with the idea of declaring an “emergency”. Cllr. Jonathan Pratt (Con, Newtown) thought such language should only be used for imminent dangers. This deserves to be taken seriously, but calling things an “emergency” devalues the word.
Cllr. Martin Williams (Ind, Coity Higher) thought the environmental diversity in the county was taken for granted and it needs protection.
Cllr. Ross Penhale-Thomas (Ind, Maesteg West) reminded councillors that younger people list the climate and nature emergencies as two of the biggest issues facing the planet. While BCBC doesn’t have all of the financial and policy muscle it needs to do everything, it was important to focus the minds of officers when they make decisions.
