2019-01-04 |
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Still Hope for Welsh Wildlife if We Act Now
With wildlife declining in Wales at an alarming rate, an advisor for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) says there is still hope.
Matt Goodall explained at a dinner near Pwllheli, Plas Bodegroes in December that the Trust, proven through its 80 years of scientific-based research, can deliver a biodiversity-rich countryside.
Curlew is among the list of threatened species which has dropped by 81% in numbers over a 13-year period.
“We are at a tipping point where some species may be lost in Wales within a decade or two if nothing is done,” stressed Matt.
“Ultimately, our research focuses on working closely with farmers so that wildlife can thrive alongside a viable farming business, which is crucial as over 80% of the land in Wales is farmed.
“If increasing wildlife loses the farmer money, where is the incentive? We have proven it is possible to increase wildlife, while maintaining profitability, that is the solution.
Rupert Bevan, chair of the North Wales GWCT committee, explained that more focus was needed in delivering the conservation message which is all funded from the private purse.
He said:
“We need to
speak up and get our messages across better in Wales to help people
understand why we use the tools that enable us to increase biodiversity
to maintain a healthy countryside.”
Matt is hopeful that, as a new Land Management Programme is developed post Brexit, GWCT Wales will be sat at the right tables, influencing the future schemes.
GWCT Wales’ next fundraising event takes place on Saturday, February 9th at The Grousemoor Country House, Llandegla, Denbighshire.
