To consider any questions submitted by the public.  (The deadline for questions is 4.30 pm on the Wednesday before the meeting – please contact Democratic Services by e-mailing democraticservices@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417330).

The Mayor advised that one question had been received from a member of the public. Sonia Jackson was unable to read out her question and the Mayor did so on her behalf.  In the absence of the Chair of the Environment Committee, the question was put to the Vice-Chair:

Question 1 – Sonia Jackson

Given the need to increase biodiversity,  and reverse the alarming decline of insects (60% decline since 2004 according to a recent report from Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife) and in view of the urgency in mitigating the dangerous effects of climate change, as acknowledged in Swale’s Climate Emergency declaration, what action is the council going to take to pressure relevant parties against further installation of artificial turf and plastic grass in Swale, the increasing use of which results in pollution through its whole life cycle, from manufacture, to shedding of microfibres, the creation of a sterile environment hostile to all forms of wildlife, and eventual end of life disposal through incineration or landfill? What action will the council take to demonstrate to Swale businesses and private residents that their actions in relation to use of outdoor space can have a positive, beneficial effect in reversing loss of biodiversity?

Response – Vice Chair of Environment Committee:

Thank you for your question.  The increasing use of artificial turf and plastic grass is a concern to this council. Unfortunately, there is little we can do to limit its use beyond our own estate.  There is only one instance where artificial turf is used by the Council. This is for the dressing of graves in the cemeteries which we manage.  Between graves being dug and the coffin being lowered, the sides are protected with artificial turf. After being removed the turf is cleaned and then reused – we get many uses from the same piece of turf. We are considering use of alternative materials. Elsewhere our estate is artificial turf free. The requirement for biodiversity net gain should stop larger developers from considering the use of artificial turf but the main installers are householders. 

The Council does not have any legal powers here, but it can play a role in educating residents about the impact of artificial turf as part of the work it does in promoting biodiversity.

More generally the Council shares yours concern about the decline in biodiversity and is taking action to improve biodiversity in the borough via our Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

We have committed to the following actions:

• To minimising the use of pesticides and herbicides on our own estate and have reduced the number of cuts of grass to enhance biodiversity.

• To establish a baseline of trees and woodland on council land and develop an action plan to increase tree cover in Swale. Last winter alone, 5000 whips and 32 mature trees have been planted on Council land. We will be planting 6,000 more trees during the next winter.

• To use planning policy to improve development outcomes which support recreation, access to green spaces, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. 

• To ensure the installation and maintenance of landscaping in new developments to contribute to biodiversity net gain via suitable conditions or Section 106 agreements.

• To encourage coppicing of council woodland to promote biodiversity and use of local woodland products. For example, coppicing in Perry Wood has been increased to meet the targets in the woodland management plan. Timber is used locally to produce fencing products.

• To engage business and community groups to support tree planting and conservation work in Swale.

• To support Swale in Bloom working with schools, community groups, voluntary groups and Town and Parish Councils to enhance local habitats and wildlife corridors improving biodiversity across Swale.

The Council has been awarded funding for a second Great Big Green Week in September which will promote actions to enhance biodiversity to the public.

The Council runs the ‘Green Grid’ - a forum for community groups, NGOs and Parish and Town Councils to keep up to date with projects on biodiversity and climate action across the borough. Participants are kept in contact with a regular Green Grid newsletter. 

The Council has also made environmental grants available to community groups for biodiversity enhancement.