Biodiversity climate action scorecard

Our climate action scorecards assess climate action across seven sections. 

1 - Biodiversity

Does the council use peat-free compost or soil in all landscaping and horticulture?

  • Yes we do use peat free alternatives. 

Has the council banned the use of pesticides on all council owned and managed land?

  • We haven’t banned the use of pesticides but apply as little chemical as we can.
  • We apply Glyphosate using CDA sprayers which use small amounts of chemical.
  • We don’t blanket spray we only spot treat, the use of Glyphosate was reviewed in December 2025.

Has the council stated they are mowing their green spaces less for wildlife?

  • Yes, we have identified 5 locations as a trial for grass framing this mowing season, find out more about our mowing grass cutting.

Does the council have a target to increase tree cover and is a tree management plan agreed as they grow?

  • Yes, as stated in our tree policy. We are on track to increase woodland coverage to 16.5% by 2050 (target set as part of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, to be implemented in 2026.

Have the council's parks been awarded Green Flag status?

Does the council employ a planning ecologist to scrutinise planning reports for improvements to biodiversity in new developments, such as biodiversity net gain?

Does the council require a higher biodiversity net gain commitment from new developments?

Has the council introduced a Green Space Factor to increase habitat in new developments?

 

  1. Biodiversity
  2. Buildings and heating
  3. Collaboration and engagement
  4. Governance and finance
  5. Planning and land use
  6. Transport
  7. Waste reduction and food