I spent the evening, yesterday, with the RSPB Medway Local group. While my journey was one I’d like to forget I got a warm reception, biscuits and a very nice calendar.
This corner of Kent is certainly in the eye of something of a nature conservation storm at the moment so it’s good to know that we have active and committed local group in the area, nature is going to need them more than ever.
The long-running saga of proposals for airports in the North Kent, on the Hoo peninsula, or the Thames estuary just won’t go away. The proposals themselves are now wrapped up in further consultation – conservation is a long game.
Moving at a faster rate is the case of Lodge Hill (also on the Hoo peninsula) and its nightingales. We are fighting to protect one of the UK’s most important places for this iconic bird by opposing plans to build houses all over the site – and we are working closely with local people to make the most effective case possible.
On the way back to St Pancras I could see the lights reflected in the watery landscape of RSPB Rainham nature reserve – a special place saved for nature, and us all, after our long campaign. A lesson worth remembering as we face today’s challenges.
Do you get involved with your local RSPB group? Why not try out a warm reception on a cold winter's night.
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