Readers’ generosity given
DAILY Express readers were praised by Environment Minister Rebecca Pow yesterday for their generosity in backing our campaign to make space for nature.
We are helping the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to buy Horse Common, in the New Forest, with our fundraising, in partnership with phone firm Ecotalk.
The common is an area – much of it commercial forestry plantation – which the RSPB plans to restore to mixed woodland, sandy heathland and watery mires.
So far, we are nearly halfway towards the £90,000 target, with a £5,000 donation from Ecotalk founder Dale Vince.
It is all part of our Green Britain Needs You campaign, which has highlighted the environmental crisis – and ways to tackle it. Ms
Pow said: “This is a great project. As a Government we have set ourselves a target to restore species abundance by 2030.
“And Daily Express readers will be a key part of this.
“They deserve huge thanks for getting involved in this scheme and helping the RSPB to attract other funds to complete the purchase.
“Horse Common will link up with the wider restoration project here.
“Making more space for nature is absolutely critical. That was highlighted during lockdown when people really valued getting outside and into nature, whether in an urban green space or in a national park like the New Forest.
“Defra is focused on nature restoration as a biodiversity link. It is the other side to taking action against climate change.
“You need to tackle emissions but also work with nature.”
Ms Pow enjoyed a walk through the New Forest’s heathland and woodland, where visitors can look out for rare species such as lesser-spotted woodpeckers and hawfinches.
As she wandered around Horse Common’s pine and fir plantations, she said: “In 10 years, looking at what has been achieved already by the RSPB, I would fully expect this landscape to have been transformed into a much richer, naturefilled land with a wider range of plant species.
“We should be seeing more cuckoos, nightjars and crossbills.”
Ms Pow also urged readers to get involved in the Plant For The Planet campaign.
Backed by green organisations such as The Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust and National Trust, it wants us all to play our part in helping reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and supporting nature recovery by planting flowers and trees. Ms Pow said: “I am