Natural Environment

Natural Environment

Below is a summary of some of the environmental actions already taken by SHBC to tackle Climate Change and protect the environment.  

Tree strategy and action plan

Read our tree strategy and action plan to understand how the council will approach the management of trees and woodland, including our legal responsibilities in relation to planning and development.

Encouraging biodiversity 

  • SHBC trialled a wildflower verge scheme in several locations across the Borough in 2019 with positive results. Since then the scheme has been extended to more sites. The plan is to have a wildflower area in every ward of the Borough when complete. Find out more about our wildflower and long grass areas. 
  • The Greenspace Team believe they are the first local authority to become beekeepers by installing a hive at Lightwater Country Park to encourage these natural pollinators.  
  • Swift boxes were installed on the roof of Camberley Theatre in 2018 to encourage these beautiful birds to nest there and help halt the decline of the species. This was done in partnership with Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust. 
  • Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are a new, nationwide approach, aiming to reverse England’s declining biodiversity and deliver environmental benefits. Surrey County Council has been designated as responsible for preparing the LNRS and plan to consult on the draft strategy with District and Borough Councils in early 2025. Surrey Heath Borough Council is a supporting authority and will collaborate with Surrey County Council on the development of the LNRS. Further details of ongoing work can be found on the LNRS webpage on the Surrey County Council website (external link). It is important everyone across Surrey Heath can contribute to the development of the LNRS. If you’re interested in getting involved and want to hear more about activities going on throughout Surrey please visit the Surrey Nature Recovery website (external link).

Greenspaces 

  • The Council’s network of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) provide an enjoyable natural environment of recreational use. They are provided as an alternative to the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA). In all our SANG sites across the borough we establish high quality habitats that provide a rich wildlife interest. We sustainably manage these areas, encouraging all native species of flora and fauna.  
  • In its most recent assessment by Natural England in 2017, Lightwater Country Park achieved the highest rating for the condition of its ecologically important habitat. The habitat management of Lightwater Country Park by Surrey Heath Borough Council was praised. The area of heathland within Lightwater Country Park has been designated a Site of  Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Country Park is therefore an area of high nature conservation value, protected by law. 
  • Our premier parks, Frimley Lodge Park and Lightwater Country Park, have achieved the prestigious Green Flag status. This is a sign to the public that the spaces boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.  
  • All green waste is chipped and re-used as mulch and other green waste composted and reused 
  • SHBC are part of the Woodland Trust scheme that helps us plant around 600 tree whips annually in various parks across the borough. 
  • We are replacing lights at our Green spaces with solar powered versions where possible. 
  • We use peat free compost, plus oblige contractors to do likewise. 
  • Use electric equipment where possible, rather than petrol/diesel. 
  • Greenspace team use an electric buggy for waste collection in parks. They use bicycles where practical for inspections at Frimley Lodge Park and Lightwater Country Park. 
  • 5000 new trees are being planted as part of the Queens Green Canopy programme. When mature these will absorb 125 tonnes of CO2 per year. This is in addition to the approximately 3420 tonnes of CO2 absorbed by the boroughs existing woodland cover. 

Planning 

  • The current Local Plan 2011 to 2028 includes policies to protect the borough’s biodiversity and tackle climate change with policy CP14 ‘Biodiversity and Nature Conservation’ and policies DM7 ‘Facilitating Zero Carbon Development’ and DM8 ‘Stand Alone Decentralised, Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Schemes’.
  • The proposed new Local Plan 2019 to 2038 is based on a range of evidence including the Climate Change Study 2020 and ecological evidence to support sustainable development in the borough.   The proposed plan (at Regulation 19 stage) includes a spatial strategy that avoids development in the most wildlife rich areas of the borough, along with a suite of environment and design policies, covering biodiversity, climate change, energy, pollution, watercourses, landscapes and trees.

Flood risk and alleviation 

  • SHBC officers completing project work to reinstate historic ponds 
  • Clearing and reinstating drainage ditches/channels/systems 

Environmental health