Outline for a Redbridge Nature Recovery Plan

This is a rough outline prepared by Chris Gannaway – it needs development with expertise and residents.

Outline for a Redbridge Nature Recovery Strategy /Recovery Plan

1. The Redbridge Nature Recovery Strategy/Recovery Plan (RNRS) should consider various factors to effectively enhance biodiversity and environmental benefits. These include mapping existing valuable habitats ( SINCs review long over due!), identifying areas for habitat creation and restoration, setting biodiversity priorities, and engaging with stakeholders. The strategy should also consider nature-based solutions for issues like flood management, water based pollution and carbon sequestration. 
   Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
   
   1. Mapping and Assessment:
   • Local Habitat Map:
   Create a map that identifies existing areas of importance for biodiversity, including designated sites like nature reserves and irreplaceable habitats. (SINCs etc)
   • Biodiversity Priorities:
   Establish clear priorities for nature recovery, considering the specific ecological characteristics and needs of the area inc areas of deficiency. 
   • Areas for Recovery:
   Identify areas where habitat creation, restoration, and connectivity can be improved, potentially focusing on areas that can deliver wider environmental benefits ie new SINCs. 
   • Baseline Data:
   Gather comprehensive data on the current state of nature in the area, including species populations and habitat conditions. 
   
   2. Action Planning and Implementation:
   • Stakeholder Engagement:
   Involve a wide range of stakeholders in the planning process, including landowners, farmers, local communities, environmental groups, and businesses. 
   • Nature-Based Solutions:
   Consider how nature can be used to address issues like flood management, carbon sequestration, and improved water quality. 
   • Targeted Actions:
   Develop specific actions/plans for habitat management, restoration, and creation, including measures for wildlife feeding, shelter, and breeding. 
   • Funding and Resources:
   Identify potential funding streams and resources to support the implementation of the strategy/plan 
   • Monitoring and Evaluation:
   Establish mechanisms for monitoring the progress of the strategy/plan and evaluating its effectiveness in achieving its goals. 
   
   3. Integration and Collaboration:
   • Complementary Schemes:
   Ensure the RNRS complements other environmental schemes and initiatives, such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). 
   • Cross-Boundary Collaboration:
   Work with neighbouring areas to ensure a coordinated approach to nature recovery across larger regions. 
   • Integration with Planning:
   Integrate the RNRS and SINC sites into relevant planning and development processes to ensure nature recovery is considered fully in decision-making. 
   
   4. Long-Term Vision:
   • Review and Update:
   Regularly review and update the RNRS to reflect changes in environmental conditions, scientific understanding, and policy. 
   • Long-Term Targets:
   Establish long-term targets for nature recovery, such as the national target of protecting 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. 
   
   The 30 by 30 should be primary nature first usage!
   
   Add more detailed sections on:
   
   -Light pollution and control measures and species affected, including invertebrates ie such as moths in all their life stages
   
   -River and wetland pollution and control. IE the Cran Brook, Seven Kings Water, Mayes Brook, Loxford Water and of course  the River Roding along with the boroughs ponds and lakes.
   
   -De culvert and naturalised the above rivers where ever possible to allow natural  processes to take place.
   
   -Introduction of missing native species from environment both plants and animals.
   
   -Artificial  rearing and feeding of species where there is a food chain need. Ie harvest mice linked to birds of prey and carnivorous mammals
   
   – Intervention feeding of birds and mammals  due to climate change ie adverse winters and summers. Eg as per environmental stewardship  at Hainault Farm.
   
   -Stepping  stone greenspaces in urban areas ie mown to death grass verges, wetland SUDs with shallow ditches & small bunds to channel water etc.
   There are many highways and a housing sites that can with the right management become connecting biodiverse sites rather than the present green deserts.

-The use of Green roofs and walls in the urban landscape for connectivity consider the full concept of Green Structures for new design build .

-Maintaining green and blue corridors for wildlife in line with London LNRS through the Borough and across Borough boundaries.

– Management planning & techniques to reduce risk of wild fires without compromising habitat and species diversity and site linkage ie be creative with fire breaks ie create bare ground habitat for invertebrates.

-Wildlife rehabilitation after injury. Especially for red data book species. Maybe a satellite site to the West Essex Wildlife Hospital at Orsett?

-Community engagement and education at all levels. eg Walks and Talks, training for biodiversity recording etc. –

-Schools Keystage 1,2 and 3 material. Create a directory of sites in the borough that can be used and link to lesson plans risk assesments etc that is then available to all the borough schools.

-Biodiversity identification/recording and training including new technologies.

– Creative habitat enhancement ie artificial nest boxes, sand martin and kingfisher banks, artificial aging of trees, bare, banks for Hymenoptera etc ie micro habitat management.

– Recognition of private sites of nature importance ie the House Martin and Swallow colony at the Aldborough Hall Equestrian Centre,  swift and house sparrow nests in houses etc. and give support where needed.

-Policy, plans and techniques for managing non native invasive species where they occur.

-Plants, tree and seed production of local provenance where possible in own nursery’s  with volunteers  IE maybe renovate the polytunnels /green houses at Ray Park Walled Garden via grant funding?

– Make BNG funding have joined up processes such that sites and projects work together in the Borough in line with the RNRS and recovery plan.

– Put a economic and social value on the Boroughs Natural capital? (Ref Dasgupta report and book) inc natural Recovery processes???

– Work with Climate Change not against it!

– Make sure all parts of Redbridge Council are fully engaged in the process and involve local voluntary organisations and community groups as joint partners in the endeavour.

-Cross borough cooperation especially on linked habitats in line with the London and Essex LNRS

– Develop appropriate nature training opportunities.

-Develop a wish list of possible projects that can rated on priority for biodiversity enhancement.

– Promotional Events linked to national events eg RSPB Great British Birdwatch how about a Redbridge Embrace Nature Day? Redbridge sites Bio Blitz. Regular podcast on Redbridge Nature. Produce a Year in Redbridge Nature video and/or a series of related videos to show what we have and further potential.

-Specific Programs for young people’s involvement eg a youth Ranger programme

– Organisations of groups and individual’s actively working for nature in Redbridge.

• Actively promote wildlife gardening and creative garden management for invertebrates and vertebrates, use the Redbridge Gardeners Wildlife Watch Facebook group as a catalyst to support. Try and get whole streets to participate in some form of wildlife gardening to form true Pollinators Pathways. Share knowledge, plants and seeds.
• Come together as a group to run a wildlife plant and tree nursery maybe a Ray Park Walled Garden (see earlier note.)

• Set up a Internet page for general information. Make more use of the Redbridge Wildlife Facebook group run by Vision RCL for general day to day info.