Page 2 - Wildlife News April 2015

Comment Wildlife News ■ April 2015
Contents
As the General Election approaches, there’s real uncertainty
about the composition of our future Government. We may well 3 Nature reserve and project news
be facing a hung parliament. But how much does that matter? 6 Seasonal highlights
The social and economic arguments made by all parties are 8 Exploring Yoesden Bank
pretty clear but let’s not forget the third major issue: the state 10 Meadow Farm one year on
of our environment or, more specifically, the state of nature. 12 How to attract insects into your garden
Where does this feature? General Election Special: pages 14–19
14 What nature does for Britain
It would seem that nature has again been overlooked. And 17 Hot topics
yet nature is fundamental to securing the wellbeing of society 18 National news: two wildlife campaigns that
and its economic performance, as highlighted in the recently
published third report of the Natural Capital Committee, chaired by our honorary vice- need your support
president, Prof Dieter Helm. 22 Meet the young conservationists
The report, The State of Natural Capital, recommends to Government the steps society
(including Government and business) needs to take to restore our natural assets. This Follow us on
means protecting and investing in nature. You can read more about this from page 14. social media
We also value nature for its own sake. For many this is the key motivation for joining
your local Wildlife Trust. Yet we also recognise the many free services that nature Copy date for next issue: Monday 1 June 2015.
provides, such as health benefits, clean water, healthy soils, food and flood protection. We welcome your views and news; please send to the editor
These services have been over-exploited, leaving nature in a weakened state, ecosystems at wildlifenews@bbowt.org.uk.
broken and wildlife in decline. We need to do something about this! © Copyright Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust 2015
The UK’s population is set to increase further, which will bring more pressure to
provide food, housing, roads and wealth. Nature cannot withstand this strain without Editor: Ben Vanheems
intervention. This exploitation of an already weak system, with little regard for the Contributors: Lucy Tomkinson, Giles Strother, Colin Williams,
consequences, has to stop. Mark Vallance, Ched George, Cathie Hasler, Ben Vanheems,
Nature has to be put at the heart of decision-making. The Wildlife Trusts and RSPB, Debbie Lewis, Tony Juniper, Richard Bloor
supported by 18 other organisations, worked together in ‘Act for Nature’, asking the next
Government to pass a Nature and Wellbeing Act that calls for the restoration of nature Editor of UK content: Rupert Paul
within a generation. If you were able to email your MP to help to make this happen,
thank you. Cover photograph: Barn owl (John C Evans/Shutterstock)
Spring is now bursting into life. I hope you manage to get out and about to enjoy
events listed in the Wildlife Diary sent with this magazine (and there’s more online under A large-print version of
the What’s On section) and to explore some of our wonderful nature reserves as warmer Wildlife News (text only)
weather returns. As ever, thank you for your continued support – our work wouldn’t be is available on request.
possible without you. Please tel. 01865 775476
or email info@bbowt.org.uk
Estelle Bailey, Chief Executive
Designed and produced by
Estelle Bailey and Prof Dieter Helm at Oxford’s Iffley Meadows. Prof Helm’s new book Natural NatureBureau, Newbury
Capital: Valuing the Planet is published on 12 May. (Ric Mellis) www.naturebureau.co.uk

Printed by Headley Brothers Ltd

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Contact us:
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, The Lodge,
1 Armstrong Road, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4XT
Tel: 01865 775476
Email: info@bbowt.org.uk
www.bbowt.org.uk
Membership
Tel: 01865 788300
Email: membership@bbowt.org.uk
President: Steve Backshall
Chairman: Sir Clive Booth
Chief Executive: Estelle Bailey

The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust is one of 47 Wildlife
Trusts working across the country to protect wildlife and
wild places everywhere – on land and at sea.

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