Wildlife Trusts launch Living Landscape campaign
Prominent figures from Lancashire, Cumbria and Cheshire Wildlife Trusts joined with senior representatives from all tiers of government to support the North West regional launch of the Wildlife Trusts' Living Landscape campaign.
Presenting the joint document, Sir Martin Holdgate, Chairman of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust Conservation Group (and former Department of the Environment Chief Scientist) said: “We are seeking a Living Landscape for a rich and diverse wildlife, and also a living landscape that enriches the lives of millions of people. We are fortunate, in the north west, in having some of the country’s finest scenery and most impressive natural habitats – but we cannot rest on our laurels. We have to integrate nature conservation, landscape
conservation, farming and other land uses and prepare for changes in climate and social demand – and make sure that the joined-up effort of all conservation bodies leads to a joined-up policy that benefits wildlife and people. That is what this campaign is about.”
Joan Ruddock MP, Minister for Wildlife, was the keynote speaker. She said: "It is great to see the long term thinking in the North West Wildlife Trusts’ Living Landscape document. We know that climate change threatens much of our wildlife, and survival may require moving to new habitats – so I welcome the Wildlife Trusts' approach.
The new campaign draws on the experience of the 47 Wildlife Trusts, which have combined to define the future of wildlife conservation in England. They are urging government and local authorities to look at the big picture and create wildlife habitat on a landscape scale.
The Government is also taking this approach. Looking at landscapes and their wildlife as a whole and how to conserve them, will be more effective than trying to conserve single species in isolation. I look forward to seeing future conservation successes of the Trust."
Anne Selby, Chief Executive of Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said:
"The time is long past when we can afford to tinker about the edges of conservation. We are still losing species at an unacceptable rate and this will only accelerate with global warming. We need to combine with other keepers of our national land bank, to create much larger habitats, linked by wildlife corridors, so that our remaining species can adapt and survive. This will only happen with the wholehearted support of all landowners and the proper protection of these sites."
The event was held at the HQ of The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, The Barn, Berkeley Drive, Bamber Bridge, Near Preston, PR5 6BY. The Minister and other guests then visited Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Nature Reserve, a former quarry near Preston. Brockholes has been saved for people and wildlife using grants from Northwest Regional Development Agency and Forestry Commission through their Newlands scheme, The Tubney Charitable Trust and by the generous donations of Wildlife Trust members and supporters.
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