It may have caught your attention on Monday that the UK Government has announced it's response to the fracking consultation we asked our supporters to take part in earlier this year. Waking up on a Monday morning to hear that National Parks and other sensitive areas would not be fracked, I wanted to punch the air. Experience, however, has taught me not to get carried away at announcements like that until I know for sure the reality of what is behind them!
I was right to be cautious, even those sites listed could be fracked in 'exceptional circumstances' and our most important protected sites for wildlife weren't mentioned at all. However, the tightening up of the guidance (which put special significance on National Parks, Areas of Natural Beauty, World Heritage Sites and the Broads) would not have come about at all if it wasn't for you bringing it to their attention how much we love and value our natural treasures.
For more about what this announcement really means, and the RSPB's response to it, check out Martin Harper's blog here and Harry Huyton's blog here.
Thanks again for all you have done and your continued support. This is a step in the right direction and it's all down to you.