A new environmental group, C.H.A.N.C.E has been formed to fight to preserve wildlife habitats both locally and further afield throughout East Anglia. Their aims and aspirations can be read in their introductory letter below:-
‘We are a group of local people concerned about the ongoing destruction of the flora and fauna with which we share this planet. We have united this summer under the banner C.H.A.N.C.E. (Concern for Habitats: Active Nature Conservation Experts). Our aim is to be actively involved in habitat creation,protection and maintenance and to educate and help others in these endeavours.
Many of you know that the activities of our species (Humans) are the major cause of declines and extinctions in most species of wildlife. These declines, and the extinction rate is set to accelerate over the first half of this century. The desire for what we perceive as tidiness encourages people to constantly battle with nature. The harsh cutting of hedges and trees at this point in the year destroys many active bird nests, this is not only cruel, but is an offence in law for which our local police seem reluctant to act - I guess because insufficient people care or bother to make a fuss.
Mature readers, and I hope the more sensitive and observant members of younger generations will have noted serious declines affecting many, if not most species of flora and fauna. Who would have guessed the common House Sparrow would be a RED LISTED, endangered species by the year 2000; also, about three years ago three species of bee were declared extinct in Britain - very serious indeed!
Due to habitat loss by constant mowing of almost all amenity grassland, our grassland butterflies are in serious decline and other invertebrates and small mammals and reptiles are absent from these mown areas. The loss of these food sources has had an impact on many species of birds including owls and Kestrels. Butterflies are noticed by many people and it is sad note the Common Blue is now anything but common, the Wall Brown was declared extinct locally a few years ago. I could ramble sadly on and create quite a list, but it is positive action on the ground, and education that will make the difference. This fact was the inspiration behind our new conservation group.
Our current projects include the establishment of a management plan for Shawlands Wood and roadside bank as requested by Gt.Cornard P.C. We will be actively involved with work parties to bring the plan to fruition, to preserve the existing diverse range of flora and fauna, and increase the biodiversity. Other projects, already underway, include the creation of three butterfly meadows and reptile habitats to replace those lost to development over the last decade.
We need information, especially from long term residents, about wildlife you have observed past and present. This is a voluntary group - no membership fee - so please join us and stop the decline and destruction.
Michele Frances, Sue Lees and George Millins.
Contact details, George Millins mobile; 07534 263629 landline: 01787 374874
