Support from Conservation organisations
We recently had a visit from Harry Barton, the Chief
Executive of the Devon Wildlife Trust. We have been members of this excellent
organisation for over 30 years. I nearly sold them Downes Mill near Crediton
when I was auctioning the property in a previous life which they wanted as
their HQ.
He was affable, helpful and friendly as we discussed plans
for creating a wild-flower meadow and some over-wintered stubbles.
We also discussed the relationship between the Conservation
societies and the farming and landowning community- something that has been in
the news recently with the debate about the effects of and possible solutions to
the floods on the Somerset levels.
Rather like the debate about religion, conversations about
the environment become infiltrated by extremists on both sides. I noted some
wild comments on Twitter from some understandably frustrated farmers (although
not, interestingly, in Somerset) accusing the Environment Agency of pandering
to the environmental lobby by refusing to dredge the rivers Parrot and the
Tone. Quite rightly the RSPB pointed out that, replacing grazed pastures with
flood water and then dead vegetation when it disappears (if it ever does) will
not favour wildlife. The problem in Somerset is about cash and the Environment
Agency doesn’t have enough to go round. Whether that is because they are
wasting money elsewhere or because the public expenditure costs have been too
harsh is a difficult call to make without knowing more of the detail- something
that it is hard for laymen to work out!
The Environmental lobby does have its extremists too and to
some of them those who farm and own land constitute the problem and not the
solution, rather like they are or were to Robert Mugabe. Some of these
protagonists are unhappy with the concept of property rights for the
individual. The problem is that alongside property rights goes the confidence
to invest in property and for many responsible property owners that includes
protecting and enhancing the environment. This can include taking some
responsibility for some preventative measures on the Somerset Levels and
elsewhere. In a property owning democracy we need a balance between the rights
of the state and the individual.
As I discussed with Harry however it would be helpful if the
Conservation lobby was able to lobby more often in partnership with those whose
businesses are located in the countryside. The fallen beech tree that brought
down our phone and internet lines (see my last blog), was a hedgerow tree which
contributed hugely to the biodiversity of its immediate area. The fact that my
business and no doubt other people’s too are now suffering and we can’t get a
sensible answer from BT should be an issue for the Conservation bodies as much
as for those that represent rural business like the CLA or NFU.
