Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change which provided background information in advance of a presentation on the Durham City Green Corridor (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

The Committee welcomed the Green Corridor Project Manager National Trust, Laura McIntyre-Brown and Durham County Council’s Strategic Manager for Culture, Sarah Glynn, to the meeting to deliver the presentation. 

The Project Manager introduced the presentation by informing the Committee that the Durham City Green Corridor (DCGC) is a partnership project between Durham County Council and the National Trust. The green corridor covers the northeastern fringe of Durham city along a 6.5mile corridor of the river Wear which connects the city of Durham and Crook Hall Gardens with 1,000 hectares of green and blue space. The aim of the project is to work with the public and nature to provide an accessible resource whilst enhancing the natural environment, with Crook Hall Gardens which is a National Trust property, serving as a hub between the urban and natural settings.

The Committee noted recent research estimates that one third of people in England have no access to green and blue space within 15 minutes of their home and, since the Covid-19 pandemic, people in the UK have been spending less time outdoors.  The three-year DCGC project was launched to explore and develop the green space in Durham city and to support the National Trust’s Urban Places programme. The Project Manager outlined the vision of the project is to recognise the bond between nature, culture and heritage in Durham city and enable people to connect with nature. The project has three broad objectives, to improve physical connectivity to and within the DCGC; to develop actions with landowners and communities for greater biodiversity and climate action and to identify and deliver ways to connect people to nature and culture across Durham city and the green corridor.

The Project Manager highlighted that the project aims to support a number of the Council’s strategic plans such as the Climate and Ecological Emergency Response Plans and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the project will also contribute to the Council’s strategic priorities to improve health and wellbeing and promote

active travel. The partnership element of the project will draw on skills and resources from the Council, the National Trust and partner agencies. Challenges for the project include lack of clarity with regard to rights of way and connectivity of routes, however, opportunities will be far reaching in terms of engaging with and delivering for the community.

The Project Manager concluded the presentation by describing the development of key priority areas. Health and wellbeing will be an area of focus through enhancing the walking and cycling offer and engagement with Public Health.

The project will also focus on work to improve accessibility through better connectivity and clarity of routes. The Committee noted the Festival of Blossom will be held in May to promote nature and wellbeing in the city. Funding strategies will continue to be developed for nature-based engagement projects relating to the DCGC.

The Project Manager was thanked for the presentation and questions and comments were invited.

Councillor Sutton-Lloyd commented on recent improvements to connectivity and access in his ward and he asked for further information on the future plans for progressing the DCGC project, particularly in relation to education. The Project Manager commented that connecting green spaces is at the very core of the work and the work this year will include community and landowner engagement. Plans will have an education lens and will incorporate learning from established National Trust programmes. 

Councillor Adam asked the whether the project links with Durham County Council’s Ecology team in relation to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and how the work will feed into the Climate Emergency Response Plan. The Project Manager confirmed the work will align with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the wider climate emergency actions and that a good working relationship exists with the Ecology team.

In response to a question from Councillor Adam with regard to future funding of the project, the Strategic Manager for Culture explained that the Council had committed £25,000 per year to support the Project Manager role which has been matched by the National Trust and therefore the project has £50,000 funding allocated for the first three years. In addition, £50,000 had been secured from the National Trust for access improvements and £10,000 Postcode Lottery funding had been awarded for the Festival of Blossom in May. However, further funding will be required and a funding strategy is being developed to support the longer-term approach.  

Co-opted Member, Mr Walton, asked whether the programme was design only at this stage and whether opportunities would be identified for funding to be matched, as the plans develop. The Project Manager clarified that the three year scoping period will consider the design of the whole area. The work will include engagement with the Council’s directorates and landowners to establish strong partnerships and identify opportunities.

In response to a further question from Mr Walton who asked how the work on both sides of the river will be inter-connected, the Project Manager explained that the unique nature of the area which comprises of various different features as well as nature and heritage hotspots, has the potential to appeal to a large audience and the aim is to connect these spaces for the benefit of the community and nature. 

Councillor Lines referred to the reference in the presentation that people in the UK are making fewer outdoor recreation visits than in 2020 due to poor health and busy schedules and he highlighted that in 2020 there was a spike in outdoor activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that the general trend sees an increasing number of people who are interested in outdoor activities. However, increased participation can come with problems such as littering and irresponsible behaviour, therefore, there is work to be done to educate the public to ensure the landscape is protected and preserved. Councillor Lines suggested that links could be made with organisations such as the Ordnance Survey’s ’GetOutside’ campaign and the ‘It’s Great Out There’ coalition. Councillor Lines also commented that recent high profile legal cases in which landowners have attempted to restrict public access may negatively affect public perceptions of access to the countryside. The Project Manager stressed that the creation of a connected and accessible green space is at the core of the project and she thanked Councillor Lines for the suggestions which would be considered. 

Councillor Elmer was pleased that the National Trust had purchased Crook Hall, ensuring public accessibility in the future. He acknowledged that Durham city is under pressure from developers and he asked whether the area designated for the DCGC attracts additional planning protections. The Project Manager responded that a large part of the area has greenbelt designation and some parts have additional designations, however there would be no additional protection for the DCGC. The Project Manager explained that the project seeks to identify the drivers for landowners and foster a mutual understanding of the impact of a green corridor.

The Committee noted that the project is part of a wider ambition to create 20 green corridors nationwide and the learning from the project will be used to inform work in other green urban spaces throughout the country in the future.

Resolved:

Members received and noted the content of the report and presentation and commented accordingly.