Kingston comes together with partners to launch its Biodiversity Partnership
The Council recently came together with partners and key stakeholders to celebrate the launch of our Biodiversity Partnership at Kingston University’s award winning Townhouse.
The Partnership will play a crucial part of our Biodiversity Action Plan which aims to safeguard and enhance the borough's biodiversity in the face of climate change and protect our natural environment.
We heard from Councillor Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Sustainable Transport, Sarah Ireland Chief Executive of the Council and Elliot Newton our Biodiversity Officer.
A keynote speech was given by Megan McCubbin, BBC nature presenter and conservationist who discussed the roles local authorities can play in nature recovery and the importance of urban nature and partnership working. She said:
In this time of climate breakdown and ecological collapse, local authorities can play a leading role in driving forward nature’s recovery which can bring far reaching benefits for wildlife populations and people.
It is great to see that Kingston Council is committed to becoming a leading borough for nature conservation.
There were also a number of presentations showcasing biodiversity projects across the borough - including our commitment to improving the Hogsmill, enhancing our hedgehog population and rewilding Tolworth Court Farm.
Habitats and Heritage will be chairing the partnership which will bring together conservationists, ecologists and land managers to support the delivery of the Biodiversity Action Plan.
The first official partnership meeting will take place later this year. Thank you to our partners Habitats and Heritage, Citizen Zoo, ZSL, Community Brain, South East River Trust and Kingston University for hosting.