The fifth anniversary of Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency has been marked with a pledge to continue work to boost biodiversity.
At a full council meeting (Wednesday 24 July 2024), backing was given for a nine-point resolution aimed at acknowledging “climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply entwined and neither can be effectively tackled in isolation”.
Since the 2019 declaration efforts have largely focussed on carbon reduction measures across the district. Councillors have now agreed to collaborate further with partner organisations and communities to enhance measures to build natural resilience and protect endangered wildlife and plants.
Cllr Stephen Scoffham, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Biodiversity said: “The district has some exceptional wildlife habitats and historic cultural environments. These include internationally significant wetlands in Romney Marsh, and ancient villages, woodlands, grasslands and chalk streams in the North Downs.
“A report in 2021 found a startling and critical decline in wildlife in Kent. Even hedgehogs and bumblebees were considered at risk. Working with other groups and agencies, we as a council can increase biodiversity across our own estate and continue to raise public awareness of this ecological emergency.”
One recent success has been the emergence of the extremely rare and distinctive pyramidal orchid (pictured) in an area looked after by the council in Hythe.
The area near the Royal Military Canal has been managed for biodiversity for the last four years with two conservation cuts. This year the protected orchids, with their conically-shaped flower heads, have appeared for the first time.
Councillors agreed to consider the resources required to deliver the resolution’s actions when the annual budget is discussed later this year.
The Climate Briefing Note 2024 reports on the action taken by the council and across the district during the last 12 months.