An Ecological Emergency has been declared by Wokingham Borough Council.

An Ecological Emergency has been declared by Wokingham Borough Council. As well as actions taken to address the climate emergency, the council will adopt policies to protect biodiversity and reduce the rate of species loss.

Locally and nationally, biodiversity is under threat. The rate of species loss is estimated by experts to be between
1,000 and 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. Biodiversity is necessary for a healthy planet and has a direct impact on all of our lives. Climate change, intensive agriculture and unsustainable use of resources are jeopardising wildlife habitats, and hence biodiversity.

Lib Dem Councillor, Ian Shenton, Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure, proposed the motion, which was adopted at the meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on 18 January 2024. The motion will ensure policies are implemented to protect and enhance biodiversity, including the consideration of biodiversity in planning policy and development control, the consideration of ecological impact in council and committee reports, and a commitment to strive for a 20% biodiversity net gain in Wokingham.

An example of policy in action are the plans for a new woodland and wildflower meadows at Ashenbury Park in Woodley. Planting of 1.7 hectares of trees and 4.8 hectares of wildflower meadows will start in spring and the aim is to make the site more welcoming to wildlife, including insects, birds and small mammals, by improving and enriching its natural habitats.

Lib Dem Councillor, Ian Shenton, Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure, said:
“Green spaces are important for our residents and provide vital habitats for many different plants, insects, birds and animals. We need to ensure that we protect and increase biodiversity locally. By declaring an ecological emergency, we will ensure that this issue is at the heart of all of our future actions, and that we protect local biodiversity for our residents to enjoy now, and for future generations.”