Perfect timing to protect fields Birdman
OUT of the fading light of a fast-falling dusk shone the hypnotic golden eyes of a short- eared owl ready to pounce.
The owl had chosen his hunting grounds wisely. Biscuittoned plumage decorated with breast streaks the colour of plain chocolate were perfect camouflage for the grassland domain that stretched as far as his powerful eyes could see.
As the owl took fl ight, I was struck by the transience of his tenure. To watch the sun set on the western horizon, the owl had decided against any of the exposed hawthorn sprigs or stands of teasels, opting instead for a road marker that would soon be guiding bulldozers on their righteous march under the banner of development. Bye, bye wasteland. Welcome housing.
Our pathological hatred of land that seems to do nothing has played a part in the slow erosion of the countryside.
The frayed fringes of suburbia where fields become overgrown and scrub flourishes, so creating wonderful oases for wildlife, are anathema to decision-makers heritage rarely hinder economic development, but it comes with a strong message from Mrs Spelman on the importance of developers and conservationists working together.
To help this union, Defra is creating a Major Infrastructure and Environment Unit to assist developers integrate the Habitat Directives into their plans.
As Mrs Spelman explained: “This makes it clearer for developers to understand how to comply with the Directive and will ensure that our wildlife still receives a high level of protection. This in turn allows genuine green growth, boosting our economy while looking after the environment.”