Communications Topic Group
14 March 2000
English Nature
Brief summary of where we've got so
far with the strategy:Aims & Objectives:
 | To raise awareness and increase understanding of biodiversity in London |
| To get people, organisations & groups involved in contributing to the London BAP process, and to individual HAPs and SAPs |
Key Messages (generic)
| LONDON'S BIODIVERSITY IS UNIQUE AND VALUABLE - but it is also endangered |
| BIODIVERSITY IS GOOD FOR YOU - it enhances the quality of life of all Londoners |
| YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE AND ENHANCE BIODIVERSITY IN LONDON - get involved and take positive action |
Attendees:
Paul Outhwaite (RSPB) chair
Julie Brownbridge (LEU)
James Farrell (London Biodiversity Partnership)
Ruth Hayhurst (Wildlife 2000)
Karen Kemmis-Betty (WATCH/LWT)
Nick Radford (EN)
Emma Robertshaw (LWT)
Chris Skinner (RSPB)
Patrick Wilson (BTCV)
- The chair welcomed new partners.
- Apologies were given from John Cotton (Going for Green – JF to meet with him 17.3.00) and Malcolm Whitehead (WWT), who would not be attending until the Wetland Centre is underway.
- Minutes were signed off.
- JF outlined the structure of the Partnership for the new partners.
- JF reported back from the last meeting of the Steering Group (2.2.00).
- The Group stated their objectives – what they expected to contribute and receive from their involvement.
| PO/CS: Provide mechanism for funding of Project Officer. Deliver benefits to Biodiversity through development of nature reserves (Lee Valley, SW London Reservoirs, Rainham Marshes). Involve people through field teacher schemes (Hyde and Richmond Parks), YOC Groups. Promote environmental literacy. Looking for higher profile as result. |
| RH: Promote Biodiversity and conservation through events in 6 SW boroughs. Exchange of publicity. Wildlife 2000 can provide communication lessons for the Partnership. |
| ER: All LWT work connected to London BAP. Events, publicity. Lead on chalk grasslands and gardens Habitat Action Plans. Able to make links with other sectors to benefit the Partnership’s work. Also links with local communities (eg Saltbox Hill). |
| KB: 23 WATCH groups in London. Communication with children, teachers and volunteers through publications and training. LWT have a literacy pack - numeracy planned. |
| PW: BTCV on the Steering Group. Long term – BAP can help deliver high quality educational/training for volunteers. Can provide links to Local Authorities and Housing Associations. Want publicity. |
| NR: EN involved throughout Partnership structure. Mainly statutory sites and protected species but also LNR promotion and grant schemes (BAP and LNR). Link to Government and specialist expertise in head office. |
| JB: LEU and LEEF work on school grounds, wildlife sites. Mayor barred from specific education work but opportunity to work strategically. |
- Charter: General concerns over what it is trying to achieve and who it is aimed at. Suggestion that a Charter for schools involves children in its design. Action: CS/KB to re-word by 1.4.00, with greater readability.
- Agenda items 8, 9 and 10 were considered to be mechanisms for delivery. The Group focussed the remaining time on a communication strategy
- Communication Strategy: This is needed for the Partnership as a whole and therefore for the Group. Action: RH to email Wildlife 2000’s Target Audience. All to respond with additions to RH before next meeting.
- PW was elected to chair the Group for one year (to 31.3.00). Paul Outhwaite has now stood down and his help over the years was gratefully acknowledged by the group.
- Next meeting: April 6th, 2000 at London Wildlife Trust, Harling House, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS.