Our Coast, Our Sea - A new era for restoring the natural environment dawns

26 July 2010

The White Paper on the Natural Environment provides a real opportunity to lay the foundations of nature conservation for the 21st century, according to Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

The conservation charity makes this statement ahead of a public consultation – expected to be announced today – and sets out its recovery plans for the UK’s wildlife and fragmented habitats.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust believes that now is the time for the Government to establish a vision for the restoration of the natural environment which will help society achieve its ambitions for nature.

With scant existing legislation to encourage the restoration of the natural environment or the creation of new habitats on a significant scale, The Wildlife Trusts are looking for the Government to deliver real improvements.

Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trusts, said:
“This White Paper is potentially as meaningful as the build-up to the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. Back then we were reconstructing a nation and, although money was very short, nature was seen as a key part of our future.”

In the 1940s, the founders of the national Wildlife Trust Movement successfully pressed for laws to protect some of the most special habitats but these were emergency measures. They were refuges from which it was always hoped nature would re-emerge. Outside these places habitats were lost on an unprecedented scale. Since then more than 95% of wildflower meadows have disappeared and 90% of heathland too. As demand for land for agriculture, housing and development increased, so space for wildlife and natural processes decreased.

Over the past 15 years, Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK have been working with local people, businesses, organisations and authorities at a landscape-scale. In this Region, Northumberland Wildlife Trust is working within the local communities in its area to inspire people about the future of their area: their very own Living Landscape.

Ahead of the recent election, the wildlife charity joined other Wildlife Trusts to lobby for the new Government to introduce a White Paper on Restoring Nature so it reflected the needs now facing society by taking responsibility for this critical issue.

Speaking about the potential for positive change, Mike Pratt added:
“Northumberland Wildlife Trust believes the time is now for the Government to help society achieve its ambitions for nature by taking a look at the legislation, policies and funding mechanisms needed to restore wildlife on a landscape-scale.”

He continued: “Nature is not a luxury. With the UK facing unprecedented economic uncertainty and pressures for energy generation, food production and housing, there is a risk we overlook the very basis of our economy and our society; the natural environment upon which this all depends.”