I usually mourn the passing of summer. The descent into winter seems endless, I seem to catch every cold going and spring is but a distant hope. For many, there is a sense of pain from the loss of our summer migrants and of colour from our fields as the flowers fade. The end of London 2012 yesterday after (what was for us in the south) the most glorious of weekends seemed to exaggerate this sense of loss.
But this year, for whatever reason, I feel good about what's round the corner. Perhaps I was inspired by my first and last visit to the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, perhaps it is my kids going back for their first full week of school. Whatever the reason, today feels like the first day of a new year. And here are five reasons why you should feel good:
1. It's time to dust off your Roger Philips guide to mushrooms. If you are a occasional forager like me, autumn is heaven. And if the trees are turning and putting on a show, well, it's just perfect.
2. The winter migrants are coming. Great flocks of honking geese, swans and ducks will soon be making their way back to our wetlands from the frozen north. We usually mark the boy's birthday in late September with a trip to Snettisham and this year I am determined to coincide my visit with high tide.
3. The UK Government has announced the creation of an independent Aviation Connectivity Commission to consider options for UK airport expansion. This is an opportunity to defuse the political tension that has surrounded the aviation debate. It is also a chance to look objectively at the facts. We think that once the issues have been aired the Commission will agree with us and rule out a Thames Estuary Airport, which would get a resounding cheer from all those that love the estuary.
4. Party conference season is nearly upon us! Don't sigh. This is great chance to put our politicians under a spotlight and test their plans for environmental recovery. And it will be the first opportunity to hear the new Defra team in action.
5. There are only 190 days until the official start of Spring 2013.
Have a good week and enjoy the start of a new year.
Well said Martin, the Greater Thames Estuary is protected under international law and we certainly agree with you that once the independent Aviation Connectivity Commission has looked at the evidence that it will rule out a Thames Estuary airport and put an end to this threat to our globally important wildlife and our communities here in the Thames Estuary. As you have said before "The Estuary is not a wasteland waiting to be developed for the benefit of London, it is a jewel in our natural crown"
Friends of the North Kent Marshes