Nature lovers are being urged to join the campaign to save Chat Moss – and act now.
The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside has been campaigning since June 2010 to save the endangered habitat from peat extraction. Salford and Wigan Councils have both rejected applications from extraction company William Sinclair to extend their extraction licence.
But a Public Inquiry is set to go ahead in March 2012 to decide the matter once and for all and nature lovers have only until November 4th to make representations to the Planning Inspectorate about an end to peat extraction.
Wildlife Trust Campaign Manager David Crawshaw said: “There was a magnificent response from the public who wrote in their hundreds to Wigan and Salford councils to object to the proposals for extending planning permission. That action undoubtedly helped to persuade the planning committees to reject the proposals.
“However, now the battle has moved on to the Public Inquiry which really is the last chance to influence this decision and even if you have written previously to the council we urge you to write again to the inspectorate.
“This is the end of a long process and the decision made at this Inquiry will determine the future of Chat Moss. It’s really vital to make your voice heard if you care about Chat Moss.”
Mosslands like Chat Moss are incredibly important, because the peat stores huge amounts of carbon, helping to fight climate change, while the habitat also provides a home for a host of amazing plants and wildlife.
Find out how you can help Save Chat Moss.