Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Open Spaces on the proposed National Nature Reserve (covering the Coulsdon Commons and Happy Valley). The Director noted that proposal to Natural England Board on the National Nature Reserve would be considered in June 2019 as detailed in appendix 3.

Members supported the proposed National Nature Reserve covering the Coulsdon Commons and Happy Valley commenting on the contribution the open space made to the quality of life of the people of Croydon.  

A Member commented that the pictures and press related to the proposed South London Downs National Nature Reserve did not accurately represent the diversity of the local community and request that that diversity be considered in the production of future publications.

A Member questioned when invites to the July 2019 event to celebrate the National Nature Reserve would be received by Members. The Director of Open Spaces confirmed that it was their understanding that the 24^th of July had been chosen as the provisional date of the event but, that as the London Brough of Croydon was leading on the event, the exact nature of Member involvement could not be confirmed.

RESOLVED- That Members approve the confirmation, by Natural England in summer 2019, of the ‘South London Downs National Nature Reserve’ with completion of their formal declaration process by November 2019.