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Written question asked by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 January 2026. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Biodiversity and Pollution: Sutton Park

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December 2025 to Question 98739 on Biodiversity and Pollution: Sutton Park, what steps her Department has taken since the decline in the condition of the park was first detected.

Answer

Natural England (NE) and the Forestry Commission are working with Birmingham City Council (BCC) to review on-site management to address the decline in habitat condition. This includes: improved grazing; addressing scrub and bracken encroachment; management of invasive species; increased woodland thinning; and visitor management. NE also provided a detailed response to BCC’s 2025 consultation on its Sutton Park National Nature Reserve management plan, which identifies the key objectives and actions for managing the Park. NE is also discussing with BCC future funding support through agri-environment schemes and other sources.

NE is working with BCC and other neighbouring Local Planning Authorities to influence strategic development and transport plans to ensure housing needs are met while protecting the habitats of the Site of Special Scientific Interest from recreational pressure and air pollution.

NE and the Environment Agency continue to work with Severn Trent Water to address pollution risks from sewage infrastructure as part of the Water Industry Natural Environment Programme.

The recently published West Midlands Combined Authority Local Nature Recovery Strategy recognises the importance of Sutton Park, both for nature and for people. Actions identified in the Strategy, both within the Park and the wider area, will also support habitat recovery in the Park.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
104143
Session
2024-26
Related items
Biodiversity and Pollution: Sutton Park
Thursday, 18 December 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Biodiversity Pollution Sutton Park
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk