District Council declares Ecological Emergency

"At the Warwick District Council Full Council meeting at Leamington Town Hall on Wednesday (20th) this week, District Councillors unanimously passed a motion declaring an Ecological Emergency and to develop a new Biodiversity Action Plan for Warwick District and surrounding areas.

This was jointly developed and proposed by the Greens and Lib Dems, as they considered this motion a priority following further alarming reports this year.

With the motion now fully debated and passed, the Council will develop a new Biodiversity Action Plan which will support the Environment Act 2021 to clean our air, restore natural habitats, increase biodiversity, reduce waste and make better use of our resources. The Motion seeks to improve biodiversity in the green spaces managed by WDC and its contractors; plant wildflowers on roadside verges; reduce or eliminate use of weedkillers; and create wildlife corridors.

Councillor James Kennedy (Green Party) who seconded the motion, said “I am delighted that this land-mark biodiversity motion has been passed by Warwick District Council. It has followed extensive preparatory work by Green Party councillors and the relevant Case Officers, and the culmination of great co-operation with the Lib Dems and indeed by all parties. By helping nature to recover we can help ourselves by reducing flooding, improving air quality and cooling town centres. A more biodiverse environment is better for our mental and physical health.”