The Council entered a Higher Level Stewardship
(HLS) Agreement with Natural England in 2009.
This agreement is an agri-environment scheme run by the Department
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in England which
aims to secure widespread environmental benefits.
The HLS scheme funds site management activities that aim to achieve
higher quality habitat management and provides financial support to
enable the Council to fulfil its statutory obligation to maintain
the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Shalford and
Pirbright.
The Agreement covers 16 sites to manage the majority of the
Council’s Heathland, Chalk Downland and Wetland
habitats.
Within the agreement the Council commits to prescribed activities
including conservation grazing, autumn meadow cuts and scrub
clearance. In addition, the agreement terms expect “cross
compliance” from the Council to fulfil its legal obligations
for managing its land holdings, such as provision of public access
and preventing spread of controllable species.
The amount of funding is £40,417.40 annually for 5 years
until 29 February 2028.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Income > £200,000;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 16/11/2022
Decision due: 14 Dec 2022 by Joint Executive Head: Housing and Environmental Services
Lead member: Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change
Lead director: Joint Executive Head: Housing and Environmental Services
Contact: Hendryk Jurk, Parks and Countryside Development Lead Email: Hendryk.Jurk@guildford.gov.uk.
Authority / Delegation: Constitution Part 3. Delegation to Officers P3-60. GENERAL DELEGATION TO ALL JOINT STRATEGIC DIRECTORS AND SERVICE LEADERS 2. To undertake the day-to-day management and operation of staff reporting to them and of the premises and services for which they are responsible in accordance with the policies and procedures laid down by the Council, including: (c) entering into contracts (in consultation with the relevant Lead Councillor where the value is above £200,000), memoranda of understanding or other arrangements.