Nature Recovery – WeCan

A Call to Action. Cllr Trevor Graham takes a lead.

Sir David Attenborough hit an environmental nail squarely on the head at the end of his recent Planet programmes. In the face of a crisis for our natural world he looks us straight in the eye with a direct and stark message: 'the future for wildlife is up to every one of us'.

Many are concerned about the massive loss of wild plants and animals, but struggle with how to make a difference when faced with the scale of the problem. But when we join together, all our efforts, small or large, can bring real local change.

The Town Council has risen to that challenge and this Spring will launch a Nature Recovery - WeCan campaign to unite us in this critical common cause. We must support the wildlife that depends on us. Whether as developers, farmers, businesses, organisations or as individuals this is down to us.

Nature Recovery - WeCan is a 'badge' we can all gather under. Every positive thing we do to help the natural world, from feeding the birds, planting wildflowers, leaving rough areas in gardens to entering farm schemes or including habitats and bird nesting sites in new developments, they will all count. The total effect can be far more than the sum of the parts as change gathers pace.

Words are fine, but what about the action? Our recently adopted Neighbourhood Plan, included Nature Recovery as a vision. To take this forward, I am leading a new Steering Group. To kick-start the challenge Harleston Sancroft Academy Primary Phase pupils are preparing a project to highlight the message in the build-up to the formal launch. During early March our Town Councillors will be inviting everyone to join in celebrating the re-vitalising of the town centre in a special event.

As the initiative develops everyone will be invited to join in with activities to play a part in this vital task for the wellbeing of the natural world.