Exeter Local Council Clerk Expo – Demo Room Agenda

CiLCA – tick. What’s next for you?
Angie Hurren BEM FSLCC

Community Governance Programme Lead Angie Hurren talks about the SLCC’s highest professional qualification – the Level 4 Community Governance Certificate in Higher Education – and introduces the SLCC’s Academic programme: the level 5 Foundation degree, the level 6 Bachelors degree (Hons.), and the level 7 Masters in Public Leadership

Getting More in the Ground – how can local councils do more for trees and woodlands
Rosie Walker, Regional External Affairs Officer – South West, The Woodlands Trust

The UK is the least wooded country in Europe. Only 2.5% of the UK is our ancient woodland, fragments of woodland which were once sprawling habitats brimming with life. Ancient woodland is irreplaceable and up to 70 % of it has already been lost. These are huge carbon stores thanks to both the undisturbed soils and mature trees. They are one of our best homes for our threatened wildlife and do so much for people. Trees and woodlands are one of our best tools for combating climate change.

Government knows we need more trees and woodlands. Councils have a huge role to play, and the impacts can be really maximised when they work with partners and community groups on the ground. Wellington Town Council in Somerset has been working with the Woodland Trust to plant just less than 2 HA of new woodland. This fits into the wider policies of the higher tiers of the local authority area and into the Local Nature Recovery strategy, whilst also doing something impactful on the ground. Together we can do more!