The Borough Council will seek to provide public access for people of all abilities to areas of nature conservation interest and provide information on wildlife and nature conservation and will promote a greater awareness, understanding and enjoyment of areas of wildlife interest.
Furthermore, the Council will liaise with local people on proposals for nature conservation, seeking their support and involvement.
The Borough Council recognises the need for public access to areas of nature conservation interest for public enjoyment, amenity, recreation and education. It believes that access to and appropriate use of areas with wildlife interest promotes a caring attitude towards nature and wildlife which is essential in order to protect these areas from vandalism and misuse. It also recognises that due to wildlife or habitat sensitivity, or to protect the interests of landowners of land users, public access may be deemed inappropriate or at least limited.
The Council will therefore promote a greater awareness and understanding of wildlife and nature conservation by providing access to a variety of information.
The Borough Council will;
NC 7.1. Develop an access strategy to define and prioritise areas and resources where public access and enjoyment of open space can be safely and appropriately encouraged.
NC 7.2. Develop way-marked nature trails, publish accompanying trail guide information and erect information boards on selected sites.
NC 7.3. Develop, extend and maintain where appropriate a network of footpaths, bridleways and cycleways throughout the green network and where necessary enter into management agreements with landowners to use footpaths which are not rights of way.
NC 7.4. Produce wildlife and nature conservation information for the public and schools by way of leaflets and publications as well as offering advice, arranging exhibitions and talks.
NC 7.5. Seek opportunities for the improvement and development of interpretation facilities to provide information for visitors to areas of wildlife interest.
NC 7.6. When proposing schemes which affect the natural environment, discuss the proposals and seek the views of local people.
NC 7.7. Continue public consultation on the natural environment through the Local Agenda 21 process.
NC 7.8. Where appropriate, encourage the active support and involvement of local groups and schools in carrying out practical works associated with nature conservation.
NC 7.9. In general have regard to the potential of any site for enhancing or improving its nature conservation interest and the sites associated potential for enjoyment as an amenity, recreational, educational, social and cultural resource for the local community.
NC 7.10. Continue to support and develop both a Countryside and Urban Ranger Service.
NC 7.11. Support the development of the Countryside Ranger Service to embrace a Borough-wide remit.
NC 7.12. Consider means of supporting educational initiatives for local schools and community groups, assisting them in the understanding, enjoyment and respect of their local natural environments.
NC 7.13 Establish a Computerised Biological Record Centre for the collation of information on habitats and wildlife in the Borough and where appropriate make this facility available to the general public.
NC 7.14. Encourage and support the collection and collation of nature conservation information from local groups, interested members of the public and officers within the Council.
NC 7.15. Encourage the use of art and other appropriate media to encourage a sense of wonder and respect for the natural environment.
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This page last updated: 28/03/2003