On 24 June, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment Committee ratified progress made on the Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-2030. The five-year review also reflects legislative changes made as part of the Government’s Environment Act 2021. (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Environment Committee, 24/06/2025 19:30,- from page 29)

The Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-2030 is linked to the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan, helping the borough to meet its climate change goals.

Key successes made by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council between 2020-2025

Some of the report’s highlights include:

• Protected species are now considered as part of the householder planning application process.
• Improved grassland management across the borough’s local nature reserves, Nonsuch Park, and Epsom Downs.
• An Ash-Dieback Working Group, established by the Council’s Tree Officer, has developed a plan for managing diseased trees in order to safeguard the public and protect biodiversity.
• Improved mapping and management of veteran trees across the borough.
• New ponds created in Horton Country Park and Epsom Common Local Nature Reserves.
• New wetland habitat developed at Chamber Mead in the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve in partnership with the South East Rivers Trust.

Legislative changes

The Environment Act 2021 strengthens the legal duty for public bodies to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Legislative changes include:

• All planning permissions granted in England (with a few exemptions) are to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain and all off-site, and significant on-site habitats will need to be secured for at least 30 years.
• New biodiversity reporting requirements for local authorities.
• Mandatory spatial strategies for nature with Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said:

“We are committed to creating and maintaining habitats that support resilient ecosystems in our local nature reserves and green spaces across the borough. Our Biodiversity Action Plan plays a vital role in tackling climate change.

This five-year review has highlighted the vast amount of work, and wide-ranging activities, that we deliver. A prime example is Epsom Common Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, that was awarded its 18^th consecutive Green Flag Award in 2024. Also, fantastic partnership work to create wetlands is enabling the reintroduction of water voles to Surrey for the first time in over 20 years along the Hogsmill River.

Thanks to our countryside team for their passion, hard work and expertise in shaping biodiverse habitats across the borough. Also, a huge thank you to our partners and volunteers, without their support we wouldn’t be able to enjoy such wonderful green spaces.”