Welcome to the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Natural Environment Partnership newsletter.
In light of the current unprecedented circumstances, we are continuing the work of the NEP as best we can.
The Oxford to Cambridge Growth Arc mapping project, completed in collaboration with neighbouring Local Nature Partnerships and other partner organisations, is now available to download from our website via this link. The map and accompanying document has been distributed to MPs across the Arc, as well as to the Arc Environment Board.
We are continuing to develop a Biodiversity Accounting Programme for Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes. We are working with our partners to put into place a robust and transparent scheme for ensuring that development results in net biodiversity gains across the Bucks and MK area. In March 2020, the NEP Board approved a model Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that sets out the detailed workings of the approach and is available for local authorities to use to tailor to their Local Plans and publicly consult on. More information is available on our website.
In addition, we are still working on natural capital mapping and our update to the Bucks & MK Biodiversity Action Plan is also on-going.
It is important to remain mindful of our physical and mental well-being during this unusual time and many of our partners are helping us to stay connected with nature. Here is a round up of some of the ways you can get involved from home:
- We have new Bucks Buzzing activities available our website.
- The Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Environmental Records Centre has offered tips on how to get involved with recording at home on their website.
- As part of the Biolinks Project, the FSC is running Virtual Meet Ups on a variety of subjects for all interest levels.
- Monitor insects from your back garden by carrying out a 10 minute "FIT Count" as part of the Pollinator Monitoring Scheme.
- The Chilterns Conservation Board is offering online training as part of its Cherries, Chalk and Chairs project, Tracking the Impact. Get involved via the website.
- If you're a resident of the Chilterns, you can also contribute to their sonic map, Echoed Locations.
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30 Days Wild
For the rest of the month, Bucks Buzzing is going to be participating in the Wildlife Trust's 30 Days Wild campaign. The focus will be on the wildlife we see in our garden and locally, and the Random Acts of Wildness that can happen at home.
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To learn more about 30 Days Wild, visit the BBOWT website.
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That's all for this issue
To keep in touch with the NEP while we get ready for summer, you can follow our project Bucks Buzzing on Twitter and Instagram, drop us an email, or visit our website to learn more:
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If you would like us to include your community conservation organisation or project in our next newsletter, please get in touch: nep@buckscc.gov.uk
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