Spring arrived, once again earlier than we have been used to. The fresh appearance of snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils and tree buds is welcome but so early is disconcerting. It shows climate change is having real effect. Bird song also restarted in January, earlier than in the past. It is cheering to hear the calls but, sadly, the dawn chorus is muted now as songster numbers decline. Loss of habitat, pollution and reduction of wild flowers for seed eaters are among the causes. Not only bird numbers are in decline. One in six wildlife species species in Great Britain is at risk of extinction. Shocking. One of the problems is that the customary weather pattern is no longer in phase with the times of sunrise. In other words, the earlier warmth comes when the days are still short, upsetting the life cycles of all kinds of wildlife. For example the food which some birds need to feed their young arrives at the wrong time. Disaster for fledglings.
We may shrug and say all this doesn’t concern me. It should, as it is a sign of a serious problem of our making. Just one example, the development of monoculture has meant biodiversity is lost and ecosystems have suffered. Which puts our health and food security at risk. This country is in the lowest 10% of all countries with intact biodiversity. Further, lack of proper monitored and effective environmental planning makes the UK’s legally binding 2030 green targets a pipe-dream. Governments have kicked the can down the road, focussing on short term objectives. These may save money at first but will be very costly in the long run, such as building on valuable food producing land instead of on brown field sites or repurposing disused buildings. We need to see nature as our ally, not an obstacle to be overcome or beaten into submission. After all, we are made up of the same basic material as all else in the world we have to live together. Inevitably nature will win if we don’t change. Our health and mental wellbeing are at stake. We can make a difference by adopting greener lifestyles and supporting those in authority who work to that end.
The work party on Saturday 7th February met at Foxmead Court for the annual sprucing up of the pond and its surround for the enjoyment of residents.
The next work parties are on Saturday 7th March at 10am at Chantry Hill and Saturday 14th March at 10am at Sullington Warren to continue the restoration and preservation of the important heathland. As ever, we are delighted to welcome any who wish to join us. Sharing transport where possible. There will be a report on our tea and talk on 28th February at 2.00pm at Storrington Village Hall in the March magazine.
For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, or offering advice, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website. www.storringtonconservation.org.uk/.
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