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Our Energy Challenge
The government’s second Energy Review in three years, published in July, made headlines largely for its announcement of a new generation of nuclear power stations.
But while these are to be privately funded, and could take up to 20 years before construction, of more concern to countryside campaigners was the relaxation of planning rules for giant wind on-shore wind turbines. The need to cut carbon emissions is now a ‘material consideration’ in any planning decision, which could over-ride local opinion and concerns about landscape impact.
The Ramblers’ Association is also disappointed that no clear timetable has been announced for reform of the Renewables Obligation system. This mechanism has subsidised construction of wind turbines, where we have argued the money could be better spent bringing other forms of renewable energy on-stream, and encouraging localised generation close to areas of highest demand.
Climate change poses a serious threat to the countryside – but we are concerned that industrial scale wind developments are causing more damage than they solve.
Over the coming months we will be stepping up our campaign for a sensible approach to renewable energy and reform of the Renewables Obligation.
For more information, visit our website at
www.ramblers.org.uk/countryside/energy.
Don’t let the South Downs Slip
The legal judgement that has held up designation of the South Downs National Park will go to appeal this November. It is nearly seven years since the Government announced its intention to grant the Downs this status. As part of the South Downs Campaign, the Ramblers’ Association is asking supporters to write to the new Minister for Rural Affairs, Barry Gardiner, reminding him:
- how popular the National Park is
- the growing frustration at yet more delays
- the need to keep the process as short as practicable
and asking that the National Park should include:
- all of the landscapes of the South Downs, not just the chalk downland
- the market towns of Arundel, Lewes, Midhurst, Petersfield, Petworth and Steyning
- and all AONB land unless it has irretrievably lost its natural beauty.
Send your message as a letter or on a postcard (of the South Downs if you can) to: Barry Gardiner MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. For more information visit www.southdownscampaign.org.uk
Pipeline Pressure
The first phase of a Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) pipeline, which will run from new LNG terminals in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire to the Neath Valley near Swansea is now in progress. Set to supply 20% of the UK’s gas needs, the first 75 miles of the line will take until mid-2007 to complete. Phase 2, which will continue on to Gloucestershire, is still in the planning stage. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIA) for Phase 2 is out for public consultation until 6th October (copies available from London or Wales offices).
Pipeline work, whilst only temporary, can have big impacts as the 100m working zone progresses over the countryside.
Affected communities and authorities have raised concerns. The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority is worried that the project could threaten the valued landscape and bio-diversity of the Park. Other concerns include the loss of hedgerows and associated wildlife, blasting activities where deep under-grounding is required and from construction of pressures stations. Digging can have positive benefits, however: recently a Bronze Age oak canoe was unearthed which would not have been discovered otherwise! Ramblers Wales responded to the scoping stage of the EIA, and as a result commitments have been given to keep all public rights of way and access land open unless a closure is unavoidable, and to signpost adequately any resulting path diversions. All affected rights of way will be reinstated.
Common Sense Bypass?
Traffic growth has exceeded estimates on three of the most controversial new roads of recent years. Far from relieving pressure, a joint study by the Countryside Agency and the Campaign to Protect Rural England has shown that extra cars have ended up on local roads instead.
The A34 Newbury Bypass in Berkshire was the subject of particularly strong opposition. Congestion in the town has returned to original levels, while 43,800 vehicles a day use the road, compared to official predictions of 30,000 – 36,000 users by 2010. Other roads in the study were the A27 Polegate Bypass near Eastbourne and the M65 Blackburn Southern Bypass in Lancashire.
A separate report by the charity Buglife has also shown that the rare species, Desmoulin’s whorl snail, which was ‘translocated’ to make way for the Newbury scheme, has since died out in the new area.
We can only hope that this evidence is noted in areas where other damaging roadbuilding schemes are proposed.
Despite a concerted effort by the Ramblers and other local groups, Dorset County Council has recently approved funding for a bypass at Weymouth, where West Dorset District Council have decided to press ahead with the project. We will continue to campaign against this proposal.
National Park Authority Vacancies
Could you or an enthusiastic local member help manage our National Parks? Volunteers are being sought to become members of the National Park Authority boards in the Lake District, North York Moors, Peak District and the Broads. Chilterns and Cotswolds Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conservation Boards are also looking for new members.
Members are not appointed to represent the views of a particular group or organisation, but the authorities do try to ensure a range of interests and park users are included. The posts require a time commitment of two to three days a month for three years. If you, or another member in the area, are interested, contact central office (details over) for more information.
Updating Countryside Update
Regular readers will notice some changes to format and style in this edition of Countryside Update. We are keen to make the most of this resource, and aim to balance news and information with simple but effective campaign action.
There will be a move away from a strictly monthly format, towards more timely updates when there are important developments affecting the countryside. If you have any comments or suggestions about how we can continue to improve this service, please let us know using the contacts below.
Stop Press (and Climate Chaos)
A major national event, calling for political action to tackle climate change, has been called for Saturday 4th November in London’s Trafalgar Square. For more information visit www.icount.org.uk, or contact central office.
Circular Number: 06/81 Date: October 2006
For: Information & Action
To: Area and Group Countryside Secretaries; Area and Group Secretaries; Area Media Contacts England and Wales (Scotland for Information only); Staff and EC; Countryside Update members; Extra Countryside Secretaries
Contact:
England: Patrick Grady, 0207 339 857, patrickg@ramblers.org.uk
Wales: Martin Dowson, 029 2064 4308, martind@ramblers.org.uk
Scotland (Wildland Campaigner): Davie Black, 01577 867742, davieb@ramblers.org.uk
To add someone to the circulation list please email countryside@ramblers.org.uk
