You may have seen in the news recently the growing argument by some ministers that we are having to choose between nature and housing.  
 
Here at The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, we simply don’t believe we need to choose one or the other. We have always believed that development and nature’s recovery can, and should, work in harmony. 

This is why I am writing to you, our supporters, personally: I’m really worried about the UK Government's new Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the severe negative consequences that, in its current form, it will have on our region’s wildlife.  

I’ve written my letter to express my concern, and you can add your name too below.

Along with other nature conservation groups, The Wildlife Trusts have been working in Parliament to propose amendments and ask for changes during this crucial early stage.  

Sadly, we’re increasingly convinced that, as the Bill stands, habitats and wildlife will at best suffer, at worst, be lost. Yet, with some specific changes to the Bill, that are easy to agree to now, we can have wilder, healthier homes in the future. 

Safe and healthy homes within nature-rich developments are key to creating happy, cohesive communities. The Bill was announced as a ‘win-win’ for nature and building, but this is not turning out to be the case.  

Potentially harmful development could easily slip through the system as it stands, because its proposals could dismantle vital safeguards for nature, and not even ensure that damage from development is adequately prevented, mitigated or compensated for. Please stand with me to help stop this from happening. 

Along with other Wildlife Trust Chief Executives across England I have signed an open letter to Angela Rayner, who is the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Deputy Prime Minister.

As our readers and supporters, I am writing to invite you personally to add your signature to mine. CEOs from Wildlife Trusts up and down the country intend to take the letter directly to London and hand it to Angela Rayner in a few weeks. I wanted to make sure you had the chance to be included. 

Thank you for all you do to support us, and our local wildlife,

Tom Burditt, CEO