Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2014/January 2015 | Page 67
COUNTRY LIFE
those happening in early 2015.
Before the sites are put forward, the
Government wants to assess the levels of
public support for all of the recommended
MCZs. The Wildlife Trusts are urging
the public to express their support by
signing up to become a ‘friend’ of Marine
Conservation Zones. When signing up
you can opt to ‘befriend’ one or all of
37 proposed areas, similar to becoming
friends of local parks, historic buildings
and community projects. All ‘friends’ will
receive regular updates on the campaign
from The Wildlife Trusts, with opportunities
to get involved and ways to help, such
as writing to local MPs and the Prime
Minister to press the need for protection
and, ultimately, to respond to the public
consultation, expected in early 2015.
Tim Ferrero, Head of Marine Conservation
at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife
Trust said: “We have campaigned for over
10 years for better protection of our local
marine wildlife and yet there is still no
guarantee that the zones will be allocated
where we want them.
“We want as many people as possible to
sign up to become a ‘friend’ of MCZs. This
won’t cost anything but it will mean that
you will be kept up to date with the latest
information and progress of the campaign.
It will also provide information to people
who are more sceptical about the idea of
protected zones fearing that they will mean
‘banning everything’. This is not the case
and sustainable activities will continue in
the zones.”
The Trust is hoping to inspire people to
stand up for the wildlife which lives, feeds
and finds sanctuary in the many different
habitats in UK waters. These remain at
risk until more areas offering effective
protection are established.
To find out more about your local
recommended Marine Conservation Zone,
and sign up to be a Friend, visit www.
wildlifetrusts.org/MCZfriends.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife
Trust, working for a better future for
wildlife and wild places in Hampshire
and the Island.
Phone: 01489 774 400
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife
Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane,
Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP
The six marine sites going
forward as candidates of
Marine Consevation Z ones
Photo: Pipefish by
Keith Broomfield
Diary Dates
Saturday December 13 2014:
Wildlife Watch. Wildlife Watch events
are for families and young people who
want to get out and about and more
involved with nature. The activities
are based mostly outdoors, in natural
surroundings. Please make sure you
come prepared with a vFW'&