Natural Resources Wales has launched a ‘milestone’ report: the State of Natural Resources Report 2020 is the evidence base that assesses how sustainable is the management of natural resources in Wales, building on the first report in 2016.  It suggests that redesigning the energy, transport and food systems of Wales could help society to live within its environmental capacity and address the pressures causing the nature and climate emergencies.  By re-assessing the individual actions we take, making pro-environmental behaviours the easiest choice, and taking opportunities for systems change through policy development, the report aims to present real opportunity for change.

These changes could include:

• Reducing food waste
• Promoting sustainable agricultural and agroecological practices that work with nature
• Better urban design and planning such as connecting green spaces
• Setting aside more space for nature
• Moving towards low carbon and renewable energy
• Redesigning the transport system as a whole, around sustainable options

The report is at: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/?lang=en.

Here are a couple of links received from the Monmouthshire Meadows Group: https://www.arc-trust.org/news/compost-for-victory-grass-snakes-need-your-help and www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/events

We don’t aim to post information on funding opportunities but we recommend registering with Funding Wales at https://funding.cymru/funds/978.  The Ashden awards are for climate change related projects are included.  WCVA have recently reopened their volunteering grants for projects supporting the Future Generations Act – https://wcva.cymru/volunteering-wales-grants-scheme-reopens/.

Newport City Council is making a start on the process that will lead to a revision of its Local Development Plan.  The present plan covers 2011-26; the new one will cover 2021-36.  For the first consultation see http://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Council-Democracy/News/articles/2021/January-2021/Residents-asked-to-have-their-say-on-Newport’s-new-Local-Development-plan.aspx and respond by 5 March.

The Welsh Government has put out a clean air white paper for consultation, which includes proposals for a new air quality target setting framework alongside plans to improve the local air quality management regime. It also includes plans to introduce a new dedicated charging scheme for trunk roads, further anti-idling guidance and the power for local authorities to increase the amount of fixed penalty fines for idling. The paper is at https://gov.wales/white-paper-clean-air-wales-bill  and comments are needed by 7 April

We thought you may be interested to see this Friends of the Earth Cymru response to last year’s Welsh Government consultation on the circular economy.  It is is comprehensive with many practical suggestions: https://www.foe.cymru/beyond-recycling-consultation-our-response.  The Welsh Government consultation is at  Circular economy strategy | GOV.WALES