Council Plan Delivery theme 5: Protect our environment

Wirral is a peninsula with miles of beautiful coastline, beaches, parks and open spaces which we are all proud to look after, protect and keep clean. The council has demonstrated commitment to playing our role in tackling the climate emergency. 

Working with partners to deliver the Cool2 Strategy we will continue to work with our partners and listen to our communities, providing the support they need to bring about positive changes to our local community on many of the issues that matter to people such as cleaner air, greener spaces, warmer homes, healthier travel and a thriving local economy.

We will continue to extend tree cover and protect habitats and soils. The old, the young and those with existing health problems are most vulnerable to more hostile environmental conditions. Acting to stop the situation deteriorating really matters to our families and our communities now.

Outcomes

  • an environmentally friendly and sustainable borough
  • Net zero targets achieved
  • improved transport infrastructure

What we will do

  • review the council’s Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy
  • implement Pollinators Policy
  • sustainable maintenance of parks, open spaces, beaches and coastline
  • improve waste and recycling performance and street cleanliness
  • support activities on waste prevention, re-use, recycling and composting
  • implement the Biodiversity and Net Gain Strategy
  • deliver the Cool2 Climate Change Strategy
  • manage the council’s carbon budget to measure carbon emission reduction
  • improve Wirral’s air quality and implement Air Quality Strategy
  • reduce emissions from our homes and buildings, for example, by retrofitting and reducing energy usage
  • introduce clear highways and infrastructure and network management strategy and policy including parking and Active Travel
  • review current street light Electric Vehicle Charging Provision (EVCP) strategy
  • implement Road Safety Plan

How it will be measured

  • increase in the number of trees planted and established each year
  • improvement in local recycling and waste reduction
  • baselining biodiversity and habitats
  • the council will achieve ‘silver’ carbon literate organisation status
  • continue working towards net zero target by 2030
  • increase in Active Travel (cycling and walking) networks (subject to rigorous equality impact assessments) and increased EVCP provision
  • reduction in Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) data and road traffic collisions
  • transport and pavement network condition
  • improved road safety