It is time to tell the government that their plans are a direct attack on nature.Paul Hadaway, Director of Conservation, Kent Wildlife Trust
Sites at risk of being downgraded include Oare Marshes in Faversham, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and frequented by Turtle Doves, Curlew Sandpipers and Spotted Redshanks. The Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay may also lose its protection, potentially devastating the populations of seals and rare and endangered birds that use the area as an important resting, breeding and feeding space after long migrations.
In addition to the proposed changes to environmental laws, on Friday 23rd September the Chancellor published the Government’s Growth Plan, earmarking Kent County Council as one of 37 authorities being able to nominate investment zones in the county. If Kent is granted investment zone status, it will allow developers to bypass environmental laws, further putting wildlife in jeopardy
Whilst the plans pose a clear threat to wildlife, the changes have the potential to significantly impact people’s health, with developers being given free rein to pollute our waters and the countryside.
Kent Wildlife Trust are asking for people to write to their MP to ask them to put a stop to these harmful changes to legislation. People can also sign up to receive news and updates from the Trust.
Paul Hadaway, Director of Conservation at Kent Wildlife Trust said: “To revoke much-needed legislation that protects wildlife is not only a backward step, reneging on promises made by this government, but also puts public health at risk. We simply cannot continue to ravage our natural world without realising it is our life support system.
“It is time to tell the government that their plans are a direct attack on nature; we do not want raw sewage and poisons pumped into our sea and they need to do more to protect wildlife and their habitats.
“We must give nature a voice and we need people to come together and demonstrate the sheer strength of feeling. We cannot do it alone – we need public support. This is about ensuring that we have a better future and that we can create an environment where we can survive. So please visit our website, download a template and write to your MP, as together, we can make a difference.”
Chief Executive Officer for Kent Wildlife Trust, Evan Bowen-Jones said: “Nature isn’t an optional extra it’s a must if people are going to thrive. Restoring nature and producing our food with less chemicals will help combat climate change, help our economy, and give our children a healthier future. We must not let this government take us backwards at this critical point in time, when we still have a chance to prevent irreversible damage to society.”
People can support the campaign by writing to their MP. A template letter is available below.
