Title:

LNP Manager Update

Author:

Matt Whitney

Date:

14/09/2023

 

Summary:

 

 

This paper presents an update of LNP Manager activity since the last Board meeting

 

 

Actions for the Board:

 

 

-       Consider dependencies between your work and that presented here.

-       Consider what support could be provided to LNP Manager in his endeavours

-       Suggest specific projects or funding related to these actions which could further the aims of the LNP

 

 

 

OLNP Manager has had significant periods of leave since the last Board meeting. Despite this, much activity has taken place. The list below is non-exhaustive and items are selected based on their relevance to the Board, their importance for achievement of OLNP aims and whether they have been sufficiently covered elsewhere in the agenda.

 

OLNP Manager has:

 

1)    Co-authored a report with Prue and academics from Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery into the potential contribution offsite BNG can make to Oxfordshire’s achievement of its nature recovery ambitions.

2)    Successfully recruited a Nature and Health project manager. Lizzie starts work on November 6th and is already up to speed with the workplan, having been involved in the OLNP Health and Nature group since its inception.

3)    Secured funding for and begun recruitment of a nature finance project manager.

4)    Accepted an invitation to be a member of the Oxford City Nature Recovery Plan steering group and attending its first meeting.

5)    Investigated Wilder Carbon with a view to assessing its suitability as a metric and method for calculating and marketing carbon sequestration rates from nature recovery projects in Oxfordshire.

6)    Lead the South East Nature Partnership’s exploration into developing a funding model, based on that of Nature North.

7)    Supported North East Cotswold Farmer cluster engagement with West Oxfordshire District Council, with a view to aligning work, and introducing solutions for the council.

8)    Submitted an unsuccessful joint bid (with Bucks and MK Natural Environment Partnership) for funding from Natural England. The funding would have enabled exploration into a market for ecosystem services, focussing on working with supply-side actors across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, primarily food and drinks producers with material interest and supply chain dependencies in the farmed landscape.

9)    Supported a visit by West Oxfordshire district Councillors to Long Mead flood plain meadow restoration project. This award-winning project has just been granted the contract to manage some Oxfordshire County Council sites adjacent to their own.

10)Continued to provide support for the Windrush Catchment Partnership officers.

11)Continued to provide support for the Leverhulme Centre funded LNP project into investigating the inequitable distribution of accessible natural greenspace.

12)Supported LNRS project manager in exploring methodologies for prioritisation.