Rochdale Council could save birds and bees

Date published: 15/11/2006

Rochdale MBC could take a lead in the fight to save common insects and birds from extinction, claims local Euro-MP Chris Davies.

Conservationists have warned of a crisis in British biodiversity after recording dramatic declines in some of the most common moth species. Records spanning nearly four decades show two-thirds of the country's most popular moths are declining. 

The gloomy picture is reflected also in a sharp fall in bumblebee and butterfly numbers.  The large blue and tortoiseshell butterflies have both become extinct in Britain in the last 20 years, and large garden bumblebee and shrill carder bee numbers have dropped by 95% since 1960.

But some studies suggest that the rate of decline is at its slowest in urban and suburban areas, with public land and private gardens providing habitats that are being lost elsewhere.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 requires local authorities to put in place measures to protect biodiversity.

A survey carried out by Rochdale MEP Chris Davies has confirmed that many councils across the North West of England are now drawing up conservation plans.

John Patterson, executive director, replied on behalf of Rochdale MBC. He said the council formally supports the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Action Plan.

He added:  "In partnership with Greater Manchester Ecology Unit and local naturalists, the Council is currently carrying out ecological survey work to enhance its knowledge base of key biodiversity interests in primary river valleys and urban fringe locations which will both enhance the knowledge
available to guide and inform development and regeneration proposals."

Chris Davies, who is the Liberal Democrat spokesman on the environment in the European Parliament, claims that land managed by councils can provide a crucial refuge for local wildlife.

He said:  "Councils are responsible for many green spaces that could be home to a wide range of insects, birds and plants.  Parks and even grass verges that might otherwise be sterile can be transformed into wildlife havens.

"Limiting pesticide use in parks, leaving small areas of land to grow wild, and planting native species can all help foster biodiversity."

Ecologists fear that if the decline in insects is widespread, bird populations will be next to be hit.  A lack of summer insects is believed to be the main cause for sparrow numbers to have more than halved in the last 20 years.