The election's passed and we'll have new faces in the Commons. Maybe we'll have other new visitors too, once the four eggs being incubated by peregrine falcons Beattie and Busby hatch... hopefully any moment now.
The peregrines you can see on our pere-cam are the pair that use the Palace of Westminster as a daytime roost, when they're not looking after their newly hatched chicks. Their nest site is on a secure British Telecom building [which helps explain the names].
Sadly we know one of the twenty-plus other breeding pairs have lost their eggs due to bad weather. We'll be striving, via the London Peregrine Working Group, to weatherproof their chosen nest site for next year.
From these small beginnings to bigger things. Much bigger things. About 1000 square kilometres big. Anyone who's signed our Letter to the Future will know that the RSPB is calling for nature to be put at the centre of all future development and spending. It's a simple but effective idea. Being the RSPB, we don't just like to talk about these things, we like to show people how it will work.
Bring forth Futurescape.
Futurecape is the name we've given our project to introduce coordinated management plans for vast defined areas of land. This will ensure any development in that area delivers best value for money for people and wildlife.
It was launched this week using the Thames as an example of what can and will be achieved through using this unique and innovative new approach to land management. We're not turning the area into a nature reserve, but we'll be working hard to help the different organisations, authorities and individuals in the region work together to link food production, transport, education, outdoor access, green spaces and much more, creating a living, breathing "wonderspace" for wildlife and people.
The techniques being used are not new. What's new is that we're raising the bar for our work. The sheer scale of the challenge is what's new. Stretching from London's Tower Bridge the Thames Futurescape region stretches well out to sea. It means building new relationships and trusting each others areas of expertise to ensure whatever is planned works for everyone. It's all about wise investment in our futures.
Whatever Government is formed, it's going to have a tough time. Spending wisely is a simple way to win support and improve all our lives?