Conservationists Warn Thames Gateway Development not Preparing for Climate ChangeIn the wake of the Stern report, climate change is at the top of the political agenda. But on the eve of the Thames Gateway Forum, London, Essex and Kent Wildlife Trusts warn more needs to be done to prepare for climate change in one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects and call on the Government to act now to give much needed funds to green infrastructure in the Thames Gateway at this vital time for the future of the South East.
“The Thames Gateway is an incredible opportunity. The regeneration of this huge tract of land - over a 40 mile stretch of the lower reaches of the River Thames - should be done in an environmentally sensitive way providing an interlinking infrastructure of green space, creating a healthier environment for people and wildlife and mitigating against climate change. We call on the Government to put much needed funds into green infrastructure in the Gateway now. In this high risk flood area, retaining green space is essential as it will act as a protective sponge in case of flooding due to extreme weather conditions,’ says Carlo Laurenzi, OBE, Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust. Despite the Thames Gateway being one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects, only around 3% of funding is spent on green infrastructure compared to 10% in other growth areas. This is an extraordinarily small amount in the context of the scale of the project and the Government’s vision of delivering a world-class environment in the area. “In such a wildlife rich area, it’s essential we protect, enhance and create biodiversity by retaining these habitats and taking steps to link them, to increase the adaptability of our wildlife to climate change. We recognise there is an urgent need for increased housing in the South East. However, all development should incorporate ecological principles from the outset that integrate nature into design providing a network of land and water that supports wildlife and contributes to the health and quality of life of people.,” adds John Bennett, Director of Kent Wildlife Trust.While the vision is for an environmentally sustainable area it seems that economic factors often takes precedence over environmental factors. However, the three Wildlife Trusts are already working with some Thames Gateway developers committed to environmentally sustainable development. “We are keen to work closely with large developers and planners on proposed residential development to help build in good sustainable and environmental features,” says, John Hall, Director of Essex Wildlife Trust. “This will add value for both developers and residents, as well as for wildlife.” The Trusts would like to see more developers considering wild space at the planning stage. Particularly as green space can have economic as well as environmental benefits. The recent ‘Living for the City ’ report shows that green space contributes to stable economic growth. All three Trusts have set out a description of their work in the area in the leaflet ‘Thames Gateway for Wildlife and People’ and their vision for biodiversity conservation in the Thames Gateway in the report ‘Natural Regeneration’ . The report calls for:  The water courses support plants, invertebrates and the endangered water vole, the UK’s fastest declining mammal Protection of natural assets: avoiding direct or indirect damage to existing habitats or protected species; ensuring no overall loss of wildlife value. Positive action: exploiting opportunities for habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement. To download a copy of the report go to www.wildlondon.org.uk or www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk. For a copy of the leaflet please contact Michele Kench at Essex Wildlife Trust on 01621 862963 or 07803 660348. Or to meet representatives of the Trusts to discuss sustainable development in the Gateway visit the Wildlife Trusts stand at the Thames Gateway Forum on Wednesday 22nd November and Thursday 23rd November. Why the Thames Gateway is so important for wildlife • The grazing marshes and estuary habitats, are internationally important for birds, providing a refuelling point for migrating birds from Europe and Africa, and a haven for wintering wildfowl and breeding wading birds like lapwing and curlew.
• Brownfield– previously developed land – often hosts an amazing array of wildlife, which in turn encourages foraging and nesting birds, including the red listed linnet and skylark and amber listed goldfinch and kestrel. Buglife’s Thames Gateway survey has shown a quarter of the brownfield sites in the Thames Gateway are also of high importance for rare invertebrates like the weevil wasp and shrill carder bee.
• The water courses support plants, invertebrates and the endangered water vole, the UK’s fastest declining mammal. |
