Without wishing to, again, raise the hackles of my good neighbour  (see yesterday's blog), here is a list of other anniversaries falling this year

1. The original Rio 'Earth Summit' took place 20 years ago.  To mark this moment, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, 'Rio+20', will take place in Brazil from 20-22 June 2012.  Today, Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman, will be outlining the UK Government's ambitions for the summit.  I'll try and post her speech later and give you our view on the forthcoming meeting.

2. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson was published fifty years ago.  Depicting the ravaging effects that pesticide use had on the environment and especially birds, this was the moment that the modern environment movement was born.

3. The Wildlife Trusts were formed 100 years ago, following its formation as the Society for Promotion of Nature Reserves in 1912.  Happy birthday to all our friends in the Trusts across the UK!

4. It is 100 years since the death of Octavia Hill, the co-founder of the National Trust.  That is surely worth raising a glass.

5. It is of course the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year.  Many congratulations to our Patron!

6. And it is 123 years since the RSPB was formed by a group in Didbsury.  Not a particularly special anniversary, but if you would like to mark 123 years of campaigning to save wild birds and the environment, you could take part in our latest campaign action to influence the forthcoming Budget. 

What have I missed?

It would be great to hear your views.


 

  • Ok - Sooty.  You are right.  We need to make people aware of it and then they will sign.  That is our responsibility.  I'll look into it.

  • Sorry to say Martin,your last comment while well meaning is sometimes shown to be dramatically disturbingly untrue as only by my calculations if I am correct 0.01% of population can be bothered to sign the petition Vicarious Liability.

  • Thanks Gill!  Here's hoping the supporters rally as they so often do...

  • So many anniversaries Martin and we join in the celebration of each and every one.

    Importantly number 6 means that after we've raised our celebratory glass we can ALL Step up for Nature and email George Osborne to influence the forthcoming Budget. We have already tweeted, facebooked our friends and posted this important action on our website.

    Conservation and Communities United

  • I have e-mail Mr Osborne urging him to be a lot more friendly towards the environment and wildlife in his coming Budget than he was in his Autumn Statement