The EU referendum.

A letter I sent to the Leek Post and Times this week:

If, like me, you are passionate about the fantastic wildlife and landscape in our local area you should take this into account when you decide how to vote in the upcoming EU referendum. The “out” campaigners you have you believe that the EU is simply a financial burden on the people of the UK, and that we get nothing in return. However, of the £13 billion or so that membership of the EU costs the UK, we do get some of it back; and of that amount some of it comes back to enhance the quality of the nature in and near the Staffordshire Moorlands. For instance, last October The Moors for the Future Partnership, which works to protect priority international habitats in the Peak District and South Pennines, was granted £12 million to deliver the MoorLIFE 2020 project. The largest share of the pot, £9 million, coming from the EU’s LIFE fund - which is dedicated to support environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects throughout Europe; while the balance is from private companies, such as Severn Trent Water, who own land in the area. MoorLIFE 2020 itself is following on work that has been carried out over the past four years and which also received public money, that time £5.7 million came from the European Union. In addition to that vitally important project, closer to home the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnershp is currently preparing a LIFE+ bid for £1.5 million; if sucessful this which will also be used to improve the ecology and appearance of the surrounding countryside. And it isn't just the aesthetic qualities and biodiversity that will be improved by these projects, they also aim to ensure the long-term storage of atmospheric carbon (in blanket bog), produce plenty of fresh, clean, drinking water; and help to prevent flood damage in adjacent urban and rural areas. And, of course all that practical work has positive economic effects as it povides custom for local businesses, work for local people, and helps attract visitors to the area. So, for that original investment of those millions of Euros we get an almost incalcuable return. If you want to see some of the fantastic habitat restoration that has been done in the Peak District take a walk up Bleaklow or the paths above the Goyt Valley and admire the view!

Admiring the view from Bleaklow, one of the moors in the Peak District National Park.