An uncertain future for Wiltshire’s nature reserves?

Friends of the Earth have raised concerns for the future of all wildlife havens across the UK if EU standards that protect the most unique natural sites are scrapped.

There are over 50 nature reserves spread across Wiltshire and Swindon – and they are some of the best hidden gems of the West Country. Providing a spectacular chance to get up close and personal with nature and offering a habitat for wildlife from rare bats to orchids, they hold special place in the hearts of Wiltshire residents.

It can be tempting to take our nature reserves for granted. Reserves like Morgan’s Hill and Green Lane Wood aren’t protected by the EU laws which safeguard our most precious environmental sites. These pockets of nature don’t enjoy the same fame as a landmark like the Lake District or Ben Nevis. Yet local nature reserves are just as precious – and their survival is more precarious. Although Green Lane Wood is home to rare bat species currently protected by EU law, the land itself isn’t legally protected. That has already left it vulnerable to local development, and the increased litter and pollution that may come alongside.

If EU standards which guarantee the safety of protected natural sites like Snowdonia and Dartmoor are scrapped or weakened after Brexit, nature havens already benefitting from little or no legal protection, like Green Lane Wood, will face a very uncertain future.

Friends of the Earth are asking all parliamentary candidates to pledge to defend spaces like Morgan’s Hill and Green Lane Wood and to ensure that they are protected from threats including litter, development and the widespread use of pesticides which threaten our pollinators.

Friends of the Earth nature campaigner Paul de Zylva said:

“From pocket parks to sprawling fields, green spaces like Morgan’s Hill and Green Lane Wood have been shown to improve air quality, provide much needed habitats for native wildlife and support good mental health.

“The next Government must introduce a new law to guarantee continuous improvement of our natural environment after the UK leaves the EU. All candidates in this election must commit to ensure that this improvement does not stop at the boundaries of well-known natural treasures but ensures a future for our hidden gems too.”

“After this election, MPs across Wiltshire must ensure that vital nature havens like Green Lane Wood are not overlooked and instead are fully protected and improved - for the benefit of local wildlife and people alike.”

ENDS