Compact tractor needed to manage Northam Burrows and Kenwith Nature Reserve in Torridge

A £55,000 tractor and equipment to help manage green spaces in Torridge, including Northam Burrows, before they deteriorate has been recommended by a council committee.

A compact tractor was needed to deliver biodiversity projects across the district, councillors were told at

The community and resources committee of Torridge District Council has heard a compact tractor was needed to deliver biodiversity projects across the district.

Councillors have recommended the purchase go ahead but it will have to be approved at a meeting of the full council in December.

The committee heard TDC committed to the North Devon Biosphere’s Nature Recovery Plan in 2021. It seeks to restore habitats for rare wildlife and stop degradation of nature in line with the government’s 25-year environment plan.

The tractor, along with a ‘cut-collect flail’, power harrow and loader will be used to protect and enhance the dune and grassland habitats at the SSSI Northam Burrows Country Park and Kenwith Valley Local Nature Reserve. It will also help implement a biodiversity plan to enhance verges and meadows.

The equipment will make it possible to carry out twice annual hay cuts and prepare the ground for sowing wildflower seeds. Green waste will be turned into compost for fertiliser.

In his report to members, head of communities and place Sean Kearney said the biodiversity plan was behind schedule due to the ‘bedding in’ process of bringing the grounds’ maintenance team back in-house and ‘urgent action’ is required.

He added: “The council could employ contractors with this equipment to undertake the work. However, the cost of this is expected to exceed the cost of purchasing the equipment within the first few years.

“Having brought the ground maintenance service in-house, there is opportunity to achieve long term cost savings that will outweigh the initial capital costs to purchase equipment.”

The tractor’s cost would be met by subsidies from the Environmental Stewardship Scheme on Northam Burrows. These subsidies were allocated following work to control scrub encroachment in 2015 after the Burrows were in an ‘unfavourable’ condition.

The Burrows has a ranger team who will be trained on the new equipment along with the grounds’ maintenance team.

Councillors asked if electric tractors had been investigated but were told that there is nothing suitable on the market.

Green Party councillor Peter Hames said he was disappointed as the range of electric tractors was increasing all the time and having given its commitment to the climate emergency, the council should be trying to look at alternatives to fossil fuel powered vehicles.

Cllr Hames voted against the purchase, but it was supported by the council as a whole.