On the radio this morning someone was suggesting that we should limit the number of children that we have as an ‘environmental gesture’. His argument was that man is creating many of the environmental problems that are emerging on the planet and therefore it is an environmentally responsible act to think before we procreate.
This struck a chord with me because yesterday evening I went to the AGM of Sudbury based B.A.T.S (Biodiversity around Town Scheme). In the excellent talk given by Peter Beales on wildlife conservation after the business of the meeting had been concluded, we heard that one particular butterfly can only breed on wild honeysuckle, growing in shade in woodland. This really brought home to me how vulnerable many species are to the destruction of countryside, and how important it is that people support organisations like B.A.T.S. whose aim is to take active measures to promote biodiversity around Sudbury in the face of pressure from building and other development.
It was gratifying therefore to hear that over the past year membership of the organisation has doubled and that at present it is on a sound financial footing. The group organises work parties in its thriving tree nursery at Chilton,( which are not compulsory!), social events and also excursions to environmentally interesting places.
This was the second B.A.T.S.AGM that I have attended, and once again I came away feeling that I had learnt a good deal. In future for example I will be stopping Nick from removing ivy from trees. It does no damage to the tree, and by removing it one is destroying important habitat for birds and insects. I also learnt how to tell the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly (both illustrated above). The damselfly apparently folds its wings above its back when resting, whereas the dragonfly rests with its wings outstretched.
Let me know if you want information on how to get involved with B.A.T.S.
