Contact: Mike Bridgeman, ext 5832

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That approval be given to allocate £10,000 from the Environmental Record budget to commission consultants to prepare an audit of existing data held on Hampshire's soils.

2. Reason

2.1 To provide the baseline data required to inform the Environment Grouping's future work on soils.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to undertake the audit. Rejected because of the pressing need for accurate data on the extent, diversity and quality of soils in Hampshire.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7. Soil, which is effectively a non-renewable resource, plays a number of vital roles. It enables the production of food, fibre and timber crops; is a filter and reservoir for ground water; supports biodiversity above and below ground; is the foundation for development and landscape, and cultural heritage; is a global store of carbon; and is a source of materials. Soil is therefore integral to many areas of the Environment Grouping's work.

8. Yet it is a resource that is still largely taken for granted, despite substantial pressures such as climate change, development, pollution and agricultural intensification. However, the topic of soil is rising up the agenda locally, nationally and internationally. The County Council's Corporate Sustainable Development Strategy has a chapter titled `Water, Air and Soil'; the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published a Draft Soil Strategy for England; and the European Commission is well advanced in its preparation of a European Soil Protection Strategy.

9. Action is needed at all levels to ensure the better protection of soil. The activities of the County Council have both direct and indirect impacts on soil. These activities and the ability to network with a diverse range of stakeholders places the County Council in an ideal position to develop a strategic project to address soil issues across Hampshire. To provide the foundation for such a project and to be able to measure progress over time, an audit is required of what data currently exists on the extent, diversity and quality of soils in the county. With restraints on staff time, it is proposed that consultants are engaged to undertake this work.

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