STAY CONNECTED
ERIN MCDAID has some questions readers should consider asking candidates in the upcoming local elections to find out where they stand on preserving nature and wildlife
Wbut please stay OUR nature reserves remain open for exercise local and to think twice before driving to our sites. of
We have nature reserves the length and breadth to explore sites Nottinghamshire so why not take the opportunity closer to home?
Idle Valley Nature For those living close to Attenborough or our food and drink – Reserves, our cafés remain open for take away do support us if you with both cafés now open 7 days a week – so plan a visit. and Our Farm Shop range is still available at Attenborough as we can. we’ll be reopening our shop at the Idle as soon and the Further details about our nature reserves, campaigns beaver project can be found at nottinghamshirewildlife.org
HILE Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has no party political allegiances, as a charity established to protect local wildlife habitats and champion environmental issues our work is never far from politics.
Political decisions affect how the legal and planning framework protect our shared environment, how our countryside is managed and funded and dictate how infrastructure programmes impact habitats and the landscape.
Locally, political decisions affect where house and roads are built as well as the provision of facilities such as libraries, schools and open spaces.
Elections are our opportunity to hold politicians to account, to challenge candidates on past decisions, policies and future plans; but many people are cynical about the value of voting.
However, the more people make a noise about the issues that matter to them, the more likely it is that party’s policies will change to reflect our views.
On May 6 there will be elections for county councillors across the whole of Nottinghamshire – as well as a smaller number of by-elections in district and boroughs – meaning that everyone who is registered to vote can have their say on how future decisions are made.
If you’re over 16 and not already registered, you have until April 19 to get on the Electoral Register – the first step to making your vote count.
Consider what issues matter to you and find out which parties and local candidate’s policies and views chime most closely with yours.
Over the past 12 months more and more people have come to realise just how important parks and open greenspaces are to their daily lives and this is one area where local councils have power to act.
While national policies and funding will inevitably filter down, it is important to understand where local candidates stand on issues that mean the most to you.
I continue to be disappointed at just how little reference election materials make to such a vital subject as the environment.
Except for occasional references to climate change or protecting greenbelt – which actually has little to do with protecting nature or access to greenspaces – details on environmental commitments are sparse or missing altogether, so do get in touch with candidates to ask for details of policy and their own views.
Ask if they will invest in a Local Nature Recovery Strategy to restore the landscape for wildlife and people, with 30 percent of land designated for