Whatever your political stance, it's something of a relief that the election is (finally) over.
Whilst working towards a complete review of Natural England's licensing system, I have been determined to keep the campaign apolitical, for me politics should play no part in the appreciation and conservation of wildlife. I use the term conservation carefully, I don't refer to the organised management of our wildlife and countryside but the personal responsibility each and every one of us has to protect whatever life we are fortunate enough to encounter in our own small piece of the planet. I am lucky enough to live in a place where wildlife is abundant. It wasn't always the case. Until recently I was firmly stuck in suburbia, like many of us this was out of practical necessity, it was where the work was. But even there in the concrete jungle I did my best to conserve what little wildlife managed to survive. In the hostile urban environment, there were few birds and little hope for the long term survival of the last remaining hedgehogs and foxes that once co-existed with the human population. A huge increase in motor vehicles, and fads such as plastic grass and concrete gardens, has resulted in the demise of a vast number of species. A recent frenzied obsession with clean lines and sterile environments has led to contempt for trees that once provided food and shelter for urban wildlife and there has developed a disturbing intolerance of wildlife. In the hostile places that our towns and cities have become, still there exist many wonderful people who help struggling wildlife. Good people who feel obligated to offer help to a wounded pigeon, a hedgehog wandering too close to a road, even a snail on the pavement. It's a life, every bit as fragile as the life each of us leads in this perilous world, and to offer kindness when the opportunity is there is simply 'the right thing' to do. Now, I am blessed to live in the countryside. Wildlife abounds and it is wonderful. But I'm still very aware that the future survival of birds and animals in this once green and pleasant land is threatened. Mostly by human activity but also a shocking disregard for nature that really is irrational given that we are a part of the natural web of life - and rely on it for our own survival. So, anyway, my point I suppose is that this concern for the environment - and most of all our obligation to be kind to other creatures (and each other) - transcends political bias. It has to be entirely detached from politics. Keeping politics out of conservation Which is why I have not allowed the campaign to be influenced by political opinion, though many (very many) have tried to use the aims of the campaign for political ends. While I appreciate the support of people across all political beliefs, this campaign is not about the politics of one party or another. It is about the individual responsibility each and every one of us has to each and every creature with which we share the world. Of course changing the law does often require political intervention, and I am very aware of the need to engage with politicians - as I have been doing - regardless of their politics. I have sometimes had to negotiate with those whose ideologies I find difficult to comprehend - but it is necessary to do this in order to bring about change in the law. I have been somewhat disheartened and frustrated that there are many people who have sought to hijack my concerns about wildlife persecution to justify their political agendas. Caring about nature and wildlife is not political, it is an individual responsibility that we should all have, to be kind and compassionate, regardless - and in spite of - politics. A better deal for wildlife - whoever is running the country Whichever political party had won this very strange election, I would have been required to work with them for the benefit of the country's wildlife. And now that we finally have a result, the campaign goes on. I know that there will be those vociferous in their disappointment at the result of this election, just as there will be many others who are rejoicing. I have my own political opinions but I don't share them, they are not a part of the campaign and never have been - and I won't rant on about the conservatives or labour because really it doesn't matter one jot to the birds does it? In the wider, natural world it is irrelevant. My job is to negotiate a better deal for wildlife, whoever is running the country. I hope we can leave politics behind us now and get on with the job of overhauling the licensing system so that it is transparent, accountable and ultimately more compassionate. Individual responsibility in challenging unkindness It is about individual responsibility. It is the job of each of us to be kind and compassionate. If we see injustice or unkindness then we should challenge it. Take a stance. Of course we might disagree with political opinion, but instead of complaining we should campaign for change, be willing to sit down and talk with those who have a different opinion, find common ground and try to work towards a goal. Be civil. Be human. And most of all be kind. Because your actions reflect what is in your heart. Please continue to share the petition! You can find it HERE
25 Comments
Dr Ruth Brompton-Charlesworth
13/12/2019 08:09:39 pm
Many Many thanks for sensible and just comments. I had begun to to think that there weren't any sensible voices left in conservation. Cc
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Robin Pearson
13/12/2019 09:05:12 pm
What a wonderful piece, Jason. Each and every life should indeed be cherished and celebrated. I have to disagree however, that environmentalism is by definition beyond the realm of politics, Politics is a massively elastic concept, and as such can incorporate anything it wants into it's fold. You mention that 'our obligation to be kind to other creatures (and each other) - transcends political bias'. I think this statement is entirely appropriate in the current political landscape dominated by a two party sytem with it's focus on economic concerns, but even your ethically praiseworthy statement could, in principle, be politicized. Perhaps at some time in the future?
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Val Gaize
16/12/2019 06:15:38 pm
Too true, Jason! HS2 is a case in point, maybe. It will cut swathes through ancient woodland, and so far as I can see it will serve no useful purpose other than conveying a bunch of nattily-suited businessmen from London to Birmingham, maybe 20 minutes faster - maybe not even that, since trains can't go at full speed on the entire length of the track. Yet by and large, and despite the many small business already destroyed by it, the Tories (mostly the Tories) seemed dead keen!
Linda Cowling
14/12/2019 08:32:37 am
Well said Jason and a Merry Christmas to you. Lets hope that 2020 will be a calmer and more professional political arena and sense and responsibility will shine through. Thank you for everything you are doing for bird conservation and I m behind you and your kindness.
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Belinda Shaw
14/12/2019 10:16:47 am
If an age where financial gain and the obsession with self, it is refreshing to hear sane, sensible and compassionate concern about our wildlife. I am increasingly appalled by the barbaric disregard for nature, the constant hacking down of our beautiful trees in the name of development and the callous cruelty often encountered regarding our wildlife. Yes, it is our responsibility to tend, protect and fight for our countryside which we are blessed to have and which is of immense important.
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Paul Soane
13/12/2019 08:24:55 pm
Wonderful wise words Jason. Most eloquent. Particularly the thought of rescuing a snail in the middle of no man’s land. Glad I’m not alone in feeling the urge to not simply walk on by. I include worms where I can, indeed anything I see may be struggling or in danger.
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Jill Beaven
13/12/2019 08:40:53 pm
Hi, l couldn’t agree with you more on the subject of politics . Your wildlife sentiments are very enlightening in this world of selfish indulgent people . But not every body is like that as you have shown . Merry Christmas and a happy new year . Let’s hope it’s a good one .
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Tim Burke
13/12/2019 09:22:20 pm
Please remember that Natural England is a government organisation. Their policies and priorities and funding are controlled by politicians and that means your campaign is political. We have signed the petition because we believe they have got it wrong and we want it changing.
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crispin caws
13/12/2019 10:15:49 pm
I completely agree with you.
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Pamela Allen
16/12/2019 01:16:21 pm
2020 MUST BE THE DAWN OF ENLIGHTENMENT FOR ALL OUR AND OUR FUTURES SAKE -
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17/12/2019 05:45:09 pm
Just wanted to say how I love the way you argue the case for nature and our planet!! Exactly how I feel!
Keith Dancey
1/1/2020 01:24:15 pm
Pity you have decided to ignore the 'entitlement' to have as many children as you like.
Tim Finch
14/12/2019 01:19:20 am
Thank you for offering us your thoughts and feelings on this subject, Jason. I’ve been reading them at just after midnight and they make a good subject for meditation before sleep.
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Leslie Clark
14/12/2019 09:15:52 am
Dear Jason
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Leslie Clark
14/12/2019 11:31:24 am
https://www.gofundme.com/f/kj2h9-legal-action-to-defend-nature?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
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Judith Rowan
14/12/2019 09:25:23 am
Yesterday an innocent alder tree was cut down outside my house because the residents on each side of it moaned incessantly about the inconvenience of leaves on the law, and leaves and twigs in their gutters. It was well over twenty years old, and the only tree allowed it’s natural height. Now it’s gone, I look onto a barren empty space. I’m heartbroken at the destruction of trees in this area. The destroyers of the alder then went up the road to continue their murderous campaign, and cut down several mature pines and at least one magnificent beech. No thought to habitat destruction and the vital contribution to our lives that trees make.
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Joanna Roseff
14/12/2019 10:01:54 am
I have often thought that installing plastic grass over gardens and other earth places should be controlled by the planners with a presumption against consent, one reason being that it destroys feeding grounds for birds - perhaps another petition?
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djamolidine abdoujaparov
14/12/2019 11:53:47 am
I was drawn in by the sucker line about legalised killing of ravens but just got a lengthy sweep about politics.... never found the ravens lure.
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Giacomo
14/12/2019 07:45:58 pm
I strongly support your decision.
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Kev Petford
16/12/2019 10:15:59 am
Hi Jason,
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Therese Meyer
17/12/2019 01:45:59 pm
It may be best to keep politics out of it all, but what saddens me, is seeing how much seemingly uncontrolled development there has been since 2010, when the Tories took over. So many plots, so many green forested areas cleared.. for luxury home complexes mostly. So many lovely little villages concreted over etc with big developments. So many areas have been completely transformed. I don't think its going to slow down now unfortunately, or conservation efforts given any more serious considerations. Hopefully I am wrong.
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robert whybrow
17/12/2019 03:19:36 pm
sadly a lot of the people that do the killing of wildlife use politics to further their cause ie countryside alliance, why since 2015 I have contacted my MP on many occasions over wildlife & Environment. Now under current Gov you can expect much of the same, or worse, as natural england budget will pos be cut more
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Keith Dancey
1/1/2020 01:20:30 pm
The comment by Val Gaize "Yet by and large, and despite the many small business already destroyed by it (HS2), the Tories (mostly the Tories) seemed dead keen!" is blatantly political, yet there is no Reply button.
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