DWI - Bio-Diversity meeting

Really cracking meeting on Tuesday - I certainly learnt a lot from Mel Wrigley from the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership which promotes and protects our lovely Chalk grasslands and habitats. http://www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk/

Clive Grant from Walmer Parish Council and the Freedown Hawkshill Volunteers spoke about the fantastic work they do trying to keep the Freedown grassland and their 10 year plan.

Thanks to Sarah for organising and chairing.

DWI Nov 22nd meeting - Climate Change & Biodiversity

What is the link between our community’s resilience to Climate change and protecting the biodiversity of our area?  

 If Deal and Walmer are to develop as a Green Tourism destination, should we not be taking action NOW to look after the sites that attract birds and birdwatchers;  butterflies, bees  and nature lovers? By increasing protection of our SSSI and AONB, can’t we enhance our quality of life locally, and encourage more people to enjoy local rather than far-flung (air-born) delights? What is our responsibility to future generations;   to other species? 

Come and Enjoy a DEAL WITH IT evening discussion led by Mel Wrigley of White Cliffs Countryside Partnership and a representative of Hawkeshill  Freedown Volunteers at   Dealability, 43 Victoria Road, Deal CT14 7AY  on Tuesday 22 November at 7.30pm     

http://www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk/

Biodiversity - OPAL Hedge Survey needs your support

Biodiversity survey - join in now

What’s living in your hedge?

Take part in the OPAL biodiversity survey and uncover the diverse range of wildlife in our hedges. You’ll contribute to valuable research and learn more about the importance of hedges and how you can improve them.

 

Hedges support many animals by providing them with food and shelter. Berries and seeds are food for birds, while holes beneath the hedge are often home to small mammals. You’ll also discover caterpillars, shieldbugs and many other invertebrates living among the leaves.

By telling us what you find, we can instantly rate the condition of your hedge and offer suggestions on how to improve it. more details here

The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network is an exciting new initiative that is open to anyone with an interest in nature. We aim to create and inspire a new generation of nature-lovers by getting people to explore, study, enjoy and protect their local environment. In 2007 OPAL received a grant of £11.75million from the Big Lottery Fund.

Cash needed to protect Kent's biodiversity

From Your-Deal - KENT NEWS: Extra investment is needed to halt the decline of biodiversity in Kent.

That’s the claim of Cllr David Brazier, Kent County Council’s deputy cabinet member for the environment.

Speaking at the annual conference of the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB), Cllr Brazier said more was needed to prevent the 13,000 rare or threatened species in Kent being lost forever.

He told guests that over-development, intensive agriculture and inappropriate land management also posed serious risks to the biodiversity of the county. read on here