On Tuesday 24th June 2025, the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership (BFER) hosted an introductory webinar on neighbourhood planning for parish councils.

The session featured expert contributions from West Suffolk Council and Suffolk Wildlife Trust, who shared their experience and guidance on integrating planning processes with biodiversity priorities at the parish level.

West Suffolk Council provided a comprehensive overview of the neighbourhood planning process, covering:

• The benefits of preparing a neighbourhood plan

• Key considerations when drafting planning policies

• Legal requirements and the basic conditions

• Examination and referendum stages

• Finalising ("making") the plan

• Monitoring and reviewing a plan post-adoption

Suffolk Wildlife Trust offered practical advice on how parish councils can engage with their Biodiversity Duty positively and proactively. Topics included:

• Supporting biodiversity through local action

• Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain

• Approaches to wildlife monitoring and surveying

Whether you're just beginning to explore neighbourhood planning or looking to strengthen environmental aspects of your existing plan, this webinar offers valuable insights and practical guidance.

If you missed it—or want to revisit what was shared—you can watch the full webinar recording here