A NEW initiative has been launched to help protect and promote biodiversity in Newquay.

Newquay Town Council has passed a policy, which is designed to ensure the authority’s activity is directed at safeguarding and enhancing the area’s biodiversity not to deplete it, particularly when managing its own estate.

The plan aims to better protect wildlife, nature and biodiversity for residents and ensure the town’s tourism industry is not damaged.

The biodiversity policy went through several levels of committee scrutiny and was finally passed at the recent full town council meeting.

Cllr Kate Larsen, who is the main author of the biodiversity policy, said: “Newquay is a seaside town in which tourists and locals enjoy and expect clean air and clean water in which wildlife thrives.

“We are lucky to at times see dolphins, seals, and other wildlife.

“This policy helps Newquay Town Council teams increase our good efforts to better protect this wildlife, nature and biodiversity, and our children, pets and loved ones, in all we do.”

Mayor Drew Creek added: “This policy protects the local environment for residents but as tourism is a huge part of the local economy of not just Newquay but Cornwall, and the reason why people want to visit is in large part because of the extremely impressive natural surroundings, this policy ensures the protection of this industry too.”

Cllr Steve Slade said: “This policy is not some tree hugging do-gooding ideology; it is designed to protect our environment and wellbeing.

“The UK has seen severe decline in pollinators on which we depend.

“Our fish populations and seabird numbers are down dramatically. It is through policies like this we can try to reverse this trend.”

But councillor Andy Hannan, the former chairman of the environment and facilities committee, has criticised the biodiversity policy pushed forward by the Green Party controlled town council.

He argues the policy prevents the authority from spraying glyphosate where the highways meet kerbs due to concerns the substance could damage people’s health.

He states the Green Party has not come up with an alternative to deal with the weeds and fears the town will look a mess next year.

Cllr Hannan said: “The biodiversity strategy has stopped us from spraying the weeds on the curb sides with chemicals, but they have found no alternative.

“But the town will look a mess next year and it will be on their heads.”

Laura Guy-Wilkinson from Newquay Marine Group believes the biodiversity plan is needed.

Laura said: “We are so lucky to share our home with beautiful habitats thriving with fauna and flora.

“But we need to be mindful of our impact on it and protect it as much as we can. That's why this biodiversity policy is a welcomed step in the right direction.”

The biodiversity policy states: “Newquay, on Cornwall's Atlantic Coast, is a vibrant seaside town blessed with a naturally beautiful coastline and marine environment, greatly appreciated by many of its residents and visitors.

“Our locals in and visitors to “One of the nation's favourite seaside Towns” not only appreciate some of Cornwall's finest beaches, but can also enjoy seeing amazing biodiversity in nature in Newquay such as regular seals, and occasional dolphin or porpoise visits to surfers, swimmers, and fishing people. In Newquay, a “best family holiday destination” we are even occasionally lucky.

“To see humpback or fin whales just outside our harbour. In Newquay, one of the UK's “best seaside towns for families” everybody has unique access to the natural environment and ocean, and the bountiful life on its shores to protect.

“Newquay is blessed with biodiversity which, per UK Government is “the variety of all life on Earth: genes, species and ecosystems, which includes all species of animals and plants, and the natural systems that support them and contributes to the economy, health and well-being, and it enriches our lives.”

“Wonderful birdlife blesses Newquay Coastline including priority protected species Cornish choughs, kittiwakes, diving gannets and peregrines, fulmars, corn buntings and more which many enjoy viewing and listening to.

“Our town hosts variety of habitats, from coves of rockpools with various rich seaweeds, to our windswept headlands with delicate sand dune habitats, and valuable saltmarsh of our Gannel Estuary.

“Other biodiversity in these local environments which has potential if protected and regenerated to help our food security includes our abundance of samphire, sea spinach, mussels, alexander, nettle, pink valerian and more.

“On our outskirts, we are regenerating Newquay's broadleaf forest of Priory Woods, and host Treloggan community orchard and gardens with their unique Cornish heritage apple and pear species, and Newquay Orchard community gardens local and tourism spaces and mental health support.

“The UK government asks that2 “public authorities who operate in England must consider what they can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity in England”, i.e. that as a public authority, we must consider what we can do to conserve and enhance biodiversity; agree policies and specific objectives based on our consideration, and act to deliver our policies and achieve our objectives.

“We furthermore feel a duty to help protect the sustainability from pollution of Newquay's wonderful fishing and ecosystem assets which support local livelihoods and are crucial to the economic and social viability of the town. Newquay Town Council must support efforts to ensure the viability and diversity of Newquay's fish stocks and wildlife to support that our greatest assets are protected.

“Biodiversity refers to the variety of animal and plant life on our planet, including life within soils and water. Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans.

“Without a wide range of animals, plants and microorganisms, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems, nature, and wildlife that we rely on to provide us with the air we breathe and food we eat.

“The UK government advises public authorities that “small changes to how you manage land could create habitats for wildlife and ‘nature corridors’ that connect existing habitats.

“This allows species to move between habitats, maintain or increase populations and be more resilient to climate change. UK government advises that “There are other things you can do to improve habitats, including using native and sustainably sourced trees when planting.

“Creating dedicated spaces for wildlife, leaving dead wood safely in place in woodlands to provide additional habitat and maintaining planted trees to give them the best chance of survival.

“Reducing the use of herbicides, pesticides, peat and water.

“Implementing measures to prevent the spread of invasive species and plant disease. These actions can save money while delivering benefits to biodiversity.

“Newquay Town Council therefore commits in this biodiversity policy for nature to consider the impact on biodiversity in all relevant decisions the authority makes through its administrative structures, and make efforts to minimise adverse impacts on biodiversity.

“Avoid activities which may have a negative impact on biodiversity.

“Seek opportunities within all Newquay Town Council’s relevant activities and services to increase and enhance biodiversity.

“When consulted on planning applications, continue to speak up as able to support site and building design that benefits biodiversity through the conservation and integration of existing habitats or provision of new habitats, including in line with the Cornwall Council Climate Emergency Development Plan Document; and speak up to support the protection of sensitive and important habitats for wildlife and biodiversity from development.

“Encourage projects and practices to increase and enhance biodiversity. Support the delivery of a tree survey and tree strategy for Newquay environs.

“Engage, support and seek to influence Cornwall Council on Nature and regeneration, such as through the Nature Recovery Strategy and the Community Area Partnership and feedback to residents via communication channels.

“Newquay Town Council, as a land manager will remove invasive species from within the Newquay Town Council estate as required under appropriate legislation to prevent harm to native species.

“Proactively manage green spaces for wildlife and biodiversity including planting native perennial plants and trees in its parks and green spaces across its estates.

“Avoid participation in the use of artificial herbicides, pesticides and fungicides within its estate management programme, or where we manage. Newquay Town Council as a land manager will, subject to any live contracts avoid participation in the use of artificial herbicides, pesticides and fungicides and we will not use synthetic pesticides or non-organic methods with its estate management programme or where we manage' along with legal advice from the town clerk.

“Manage vegetation strategically to optimise biodiversity.

“Make reasonable efforts to support the protection of Newquay's land and waterways from pollution.

“Signpost residents and visitors to report wildlife sightings, pollution concerns, coastal events and flood risks through appropriate channels.”