We could double the gains made for wildlife
Builders have a natural role to play.
This week new rules become mandatory under the 2021 Environment Act. They require building developers to leave the natural environment in a better state than before by ensuring a minimum 10 per cent net gain in biodiversity. Those of us concerned at the dramatic decline in wildlife and our natural world will welcome this. But let’s be clear about the limited impact the target figure will have.
Britain is one of the most naturedepleted countries in the world, thanks to us kick-starting the Industrial Revolution. Habitat loss - of hedges, ponds, woodlands and wildflower meadows - is a major reason; the last century has seen a loss of well over 50% of the natural features that provide a home to the wild species that live here, with an equally dramatic drop in the animals and plants found there. And don’t imagine that this is just a wildlife problem. We humans are part of the tree of life; when the tree is cut down we fall with it.
Our local council is committing to the 10% minimum net gain level under the new rules, even though other councils are setting a higher target of 20%. It’s worth noting that local groups, and the Council itself, are aiming for higher levels of habitat restoration across the borough , and even in our back gardens with the local Wild Gardens project. A call on builders to commit to a higher goal is not unreasonable – especially when the extra cost of hitting it is estimated at around half the cost of installing EV charging for an average house in the Borough.
So let’s ask our builders and developers to set themselves higher targets. Such a commitment would send out a clear message to people across the community that this is important, inspiring us all to do more too. And this is not about blaming ‘greedy developers’. We are all responsible for the predicament we face: we all share the blame and are now facing the consequences. Let’s all try to make a difference. Who’ll be the first developer, the first landowner to offer 20%, proving that modern developments can leave land better for nature?
THE CHAIRS of Wildlife in Ascot, WildCookham, Wild About Datchet, Wild Eton Wick, Wild Maidenhead, Wild
Windsor