Natural Environment White Paper - your contribution could make all the difference!

The government will produce a White Paper on the Natural Environment in Spring 2011. They have invited the public to “shape the nature of England” and want to hear your views by 30th October 2010.

Dorset Wildlife Trust wants to make sure that the White Paper:

• Ensures the protection and enhancement of our existing wildlife sites.
• As well as this, enables the expansion, buffering and better connections between wildlife sites. This will enable wildlife to adapt to a changing climate.
• Restores natural processes upon which people and nature depend, for example for water, clean air and flood protection.
• Maintains the momentum of the Marine Act, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas.
• Supports people and communities to value and take action for wildlife.

The DEFRA website has both the full discussion document with a set of 15 questions (some quite technical) and a shorter 4 question survey which we’d encourage everyone to fill in.

These are the four questions, with some ideas from Dorset Wildlife Trust on each:

1. Which parts of the natural environment matter most to you?

DWT comment: ­ if you have a particular area or landscape which you most care about, let the government know ­ examples might include the coast, Cranborne Chase or the parks in your neighbourhood. Alternatively it might be a particular issue that concerns you, such as declines in butterflies or scrubbing over of downlands. If you can mention wildlife or specific species or habitats in your answer it would be helpful to us.

2. How do you feel you benefit from the natural environment?

DWT comment: ­ is there a nature reserve or natural site you walk in regularly and does this help keep you fit and active? Or do you enjoy seeing the birds in your garden? Or more widely perhaps you buy meat from a nearby local farm shop or Dorset charcoal for the BBQ?

3. How do you think we could improve the natural environment?

DWT comment: ­ does your area perhaps lack natural green spaces such as nature reserves which people can visit? Or perhaps you have seen wildlife gradually lost from your local patch and feel it needs better protection. Maybe you are concerned about pollution.

4. What would encourage you to get involved in protecting the natural environment?

DWT comment: ­ if you are involved already then do say so, and let the government know what more could be done to help you or other local people do more. For example increased funding for local projects, or more expert advice to get local projects going from organisations like Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Play Your Part For Nature

Further information about the White Paper, and how you can contribute your views, can be found at The Wildlife Trusts dedicated website called Play Your Part For Nature . We would encourage everyone to "play your part"!