Stop Press. Whilst waiting the election results I have received another reply to my letter which is quite a good response and I'm impressed by the range of comments made. Only three more to hear from hopefully including two new Parish Cllrs. That includes our District Council election with two candidates but I still dont know the result of the count today  ( 2100 hrs on 6.5.11)

I recently wrote to all our Parish and prospective District Councillors asking for their views on the Natural Environment. Here's what I wrote:

Stonewell

19 th April 2011

Dear Cllr ……….,

I’m writing to ask for your views on the natural environment.

The natural environment affects everyone without exception and Councils’ decisions usually have a local impact. The Government continues to declare its commitment to protecting the natural environment, including measures to minimise climate change.

Natural England is the government’s advisor on these matters and in a recent report it outlines its views on the state of the natural environment in the South West.

In particular it states:

“Natural England is a strong advocate for Green Infrastructure which should be an integral component of any new or existing development, as fundamental as sewers and roads, shops and schools. Well planned and managed Green Infrastructure can provide multiple benefits – areas for recreation, wildlife, growing food, shade, water management and carbon storage to mitigate impacts of climate change – and is essential to enhancing quality of life in the region.” Extract from: State of the natural environment in the South West (NE136) Chapter 2 page16, “Key issues for the Natural England in the SW”. Section 2.3

I would like to know your views on the following questions.

1. If elected on May 5^th 2011, do you agree that the Parish Council should support this policy of protecting the natural environment?

2. To make clear the Councils commitment, do you agree that the minutes of all Council meetings should record in some way how the Parish Council is contributing to this policy?

I look forward to hearing your views before May 5^th.

Yours sincerely,

David German

So far  ( 30.04.11) I have only had a reply from two parish councillors. I was hoping more would consider the questions worthy of an answer. The environment is important because its the only one we have to live in!

Shown below are our comments sent to DEFRA  last OCT before publication of a still awaited new White Paper on the Natural Environment and which are still relevant.

DEFRA discussion paper on the Natural Environment White Paper:

www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/

The deadline for responses to this document is 30 October 2010.

Please email your responses to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or submit comments over the DEFRA website at:

or post them to: Natural Environment White Paper Team, Area 3D, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR.”

My comments on the 4 questions posed on the DEFRA web site.

Above all I fully support the work of the Somerset Wildlife Trust which must play a major part in the future conservation of Somerset wildlife.

Qu 1)   Which parts of the natural environment matter most to you?

The Government should recognise the uniqueness of Somerset’s rich natural environment which I value very highly and which is irreplaceable. That includes wildlife in our towns  and villages, hedgerows and verges, fields and gardens.

We must make provision for future climate change. The future of the Somerset levels is very important for me.

Qu 2)   How do you feel you benefit from the natural environment?

The beauty and lifelong fascination of our wildlife-rich landscapes and seas is very important to me.

I know that a healthy, bio diverse environment provides me directly and indirectly with a range of natural, life-supporting services, such as crop pollination, food production, and flood prevention, clean air and water.

Qu 3)   How do you think we could improve the natural environment?

I support the Wildlife Trusts strategy based on a Living Landscape approach to nature, which should act as a guiding principle in the development of the Natural Environment White Paper.

We should protect and enlarge ‘core’ wildlife-rich areas – value and conserve existing protected places such as Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) which are fundamental to Somerset nature conservation. We should create more such areas which must not be neglected or simply ignored by local authorities.

Q 4) What would encourage you to get involved in protecting the natural environment?

I am already involved as a volunteer for the Wildlife Trust and by financial support through membership of other conservation charities. I value access to nature close by and in my own garden: high quality natural spaces should be available in our towns, countryside and schools to encourage access to the natural environment.

Educational support is vital for our local primary schools by supporting the Wildlife Trust educational programmes and our new local Wildlife Watch Club

David German.

Chair of the Heart of the Levels Area Group of the Somerset Wildlife Trust

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