It's been a winter wonderland across Medway the past few days. Our waste crews have done an amazing job of collecting as much presented waste as possible in difficult conditions. Keep an eye on our social media pages during snowy and adverse weather conditions. We shall post regular updates as we get them!
 Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year
From all the Environmental Engagement team 🎄
 View the Medway Climate Change Christmas newsletter Here
This issue includes 10 top-tips for a more climate-friendly Christmas, beach clean-ups and more.
 Hoo Wetlands Reserve: Planning application now submitted
Earlier this summer, we consulted on the latest phase for our Community Parklands programme on the Hoo Peninsula which focused on the latest proposals for the Hoo Wetland Reserve and Lodge Hill Countryside site.
These proposals, which are part of Medway Council’s Future Hoo programme, aim to improve and enhance the habitats and the connections between them to help support rare and common wildlife found in and around Hoo Wetlands.
We have now submitted the planning application for Hoo Wetland Reserve. This has followed three public consultations on the Community Parklands programme for the Hoo Peninsula (which has included the proposals at each development stage for Hoo Wetlands).
Fact: The 2021 Environment Act will require that every planning application in England will have a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of 10% (this is expected to be from November 2023). BNG is an approach which aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand.
We’re delighted to confirm that our Hoo Wetland Reserve planning application achieved a huge BNG score of 44%. This means the project will significantly benefit the habitat and local environment around the Hoo Wetlands site, providing new wetlands and connecting important habitats for existing species to allow them to thrive, including:
- Skylarks
- Cuckoos
- Visiting winter birds that use the estuary
- Water Voles
- Bats
- Reptiles
The submission of the planning application comes following the latest consultation on the proposals for Hoo Wetlands, which took place in June and July this summer.
Among the feedback we received:
✅87% said more natural habitats be protected and enhanced on the Hoo Peninsula
✅87% said it was very important for conservation and enhancement of natural habitats on the Hoo Peninsula
✅69% were likely to visit Hoo Wetland Reserve once work is complete
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