1.When was the first interaction between White Cross representatives and (redacted*) the UNESCO Biosphere Coordinator of the North Devon Biosphere?
There was a pre- application discussion in 09/02/2022 in a presentation made to a broad range of stakeholders. The first direct meeting was in March 2023.
2. What is the extent of the water vole reintroduction programme of North Devon Biosphere?
a) When did it start, end, or is it ongoing?
The watervole introduction potential was for the freshwater ditches on Braunton Marsh particularly in the northern side. Only testing for the presence of mink and a basic habitat survey has been done to date. This was June 2022 when it was commenced. In the light of possible developments the traps were deactivated in Summer 2024.
b) if it is ongoing what was the last date that works on site were carried out?
Project activity ceased Summer 2024.
3. What is the number of traps set for American Mink?
8 traps were set across the marsh area in ditches agreed with a vole re-introduction consultant.
a) What are the dates over the last 5 years for trapping American Mink activities?
June 2022 – Summer 2024.
b) What is the total number of American Mink trapped and dispatched of in the site of the North Devon Biosphere?
None.
c) Who carried out the American Mink trapping on NDB behalf?
A group of trained volunteers overseen by the Biosphere Coordinator, who was trained by the vole-reintroduction expert.
4. What is (redacted*) the UNESCO Biosphere Coordinator’s role description and who does that role report to?
This information is already publicly available on the North Devon Biosphere Team – Foundation Team website.
The UNESCO Biosphere Co-ordinator reports to Doug Eltham, Head of Environment.
5. How many employees does the UNESCO Biosphere Coordinator manage?
The UNESCO Biosphere Co-ordinator line manages one person for Devon County Council.
6. Is there a Human Resources department for all employees who work under the UNESCO Biosphere Coordinator?
Yes, Devon County Council’s Human Resources Department.
7. When did (redacted*) the UNESCO Biosphere Coordinator start their current role at the North Devon Biosphere?
This information is exempt from disclosure under Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (Personal Data).
Devon County Council can confirm the requested information is held; however, the Council cannot disclose personal information if releasing it would contravene any of the provisions in the Data Protection Act 2018. In this instance release of this information would contravene the first data protection principle and therefore the information is withheld.
8. When was this role created and advertised?
The role was created in 2003. The role was advertised nationally.
9. When was the North Devon Biosphere selected as becoming the department that would deal with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) payments?
The North Devon Biosphere is not a department of North Devon District Council. It is hosted by Devon County Council in partnership with the North Devon Biosphere Foundation. There is no presumption that North Devon Biosphere will deal with the BNG payments – it is a market choice by the developer. The proposed condition published prior to the meeting of the North Devon District Council Planning Committee was removed in recognition that the BNG agency will be a market choice by the developer.
10. What are the role descriptions for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) managers working for the North Devon Biosphere?
This information is not held by Devon County Council.
The North Devon Biosphere Natural Capital Marketplace is operated by the North Devon Biosphere Enterprises Ltd, which is a trading arm of the North Devon Biosphere Foundation.
11. When were these roles advertised?
This information is not held by Devon County Council.
12. How does North Devon Biosphere decide where Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) payment should go?
Implementation of BNG must comply with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy with priority for the creation or improvement of sites of habitat of the same type as local to the development as possible.
13. What consultancy does North Devon Biosphere use to assess Biodiversity Net Gain calculations as fact given the process is initiated by planning proposals where by proposers utilise their own ecologists to create BNG calculations?
The initial review of the development and their BNG calculations is done by the planning authority, which in this case is North Devon District Council. Proposals for off-site BNG units are developed with habitat banks and various BNG providers, which are vetted by Natural England.
14. Do any ecologists who are CIEEM registered work at the North Devon Biosphere?
Yes
15. What training is provided to North Devon Biosphere employees with regards to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) calculations?
The North Devon Biosphere Natural Capital Marketplace is operated by the North Devon Biosphere Enterprises Ltd, which is a trading arm of the North Devon Biosphere Foundation. This information is not held by Devon County Council.
16. What processes are in place to prevent the possibility of bias, influence, mis-management and bribery within the Planning Department, and North Devon Biosphere’s BNG team?
a) When were these processes created?
This information is not held by Devon County Council. Devon County Council is not responsible for Planning. Planning is the responsibility of District and Unitary Authorities in Devon; please contact them directly using the information on the links provided.
17. What is (redacted*) role description and who does that role report to?
This individual is not an employee of Devon County Council, therefore this information is not held.
18. How many in person or virtual meetings has Andy Bell had with White Cross representatives?
Two meetings.
Please note, an * denotes information that is exempt from disclosure under Section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (Personal Data).
Devon County Council can confirm the requested information is held; however, the Council cannot disclose personal information, if releasing it would contravene any of the provisions in the Data Protection Act 2018. In this instance release of this information would contravene the first data protection principle by making the individuals identifiable. Therefore, the information is withheld.