Puzzling over planning and protection

Puzzled about planning? I know I am, writes HOT’s Zelly Restorick. Earlier today, I received a press release from the Combe Haven Defenders (one of the groups working locally to protect natural spaces ‘in perpetuity’) stating: “Planned new road would destroy ‘irreplaceable’ wildlife site”.

Here’s a link to the CHD website, so you can check it out yourself, along with their sources, which they always list. They’ve included a link to the planning page for making any official comments and objections, should you want to get actively involved. The deadline is November 6th.

IF you feel something for this wild space, then please do something to protect it! Make your voice heard! Don’t underestimate the power of what you, as an individual, would be doing by taking just one small step towards becoming a wild green space advocate! ‘Tis easy.

Here is a photo of the piece of meadow wild land you are advocating for…

There are other local wild spaces under threat: Speckled Wood, Robsack Meadow… This, unfortunately, is not an isolated case.

Pave the planet project

The Haven Defenders continue to vehemently oppose the Bexhill-Hastings Link Road (BHLR), investigating and deeply exploring the realm of road-building and development – and reporting back their findings to those who are interested in an alternative viewpoint to the official one.

One thing I have learned from the whole BHLR experience is that there are lots of different information sources out there, plying different versions of the same events and happenings. So, be wary. You cannot believe all you are told. Do not swallow anything down whole with a gulp. Mine included.

Personally, I was shocked-dismayed-distressed-depressed at my discoveries made during my involvement in trying to stop the road going through Combe Haven Valley. I objected strongly to the bullshit I was being served and the authoritarian, bullying and domineering tactics used.

And used in the context of a relatively tiny little road. In Bexhill.

But then it’s not the only new road planned for the UK.

More roads for everyone

I have read that the current government (with or without high level Civil Service backing and approval?) want to build lots of new roads.

According to a report by The Campaign For Better Transport (CFBT), an estimated 190 new roads are to be built. (I know, the CFBT are not neutral; they have their own agenda, which certainly isn’t pro new-road-building; they openly and actively campaign for better public transportation, as an alternative to the car).

However, what catches my eye is how many of these new roads are destined to be  ploughed through variously labelled  ‘protected sites’. How can this be?

Puzzling and pondering

What exactly do these terms mean: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? Site of Specific Scientific Interest? Wildlife site? Ancient woodland? National park? National nature reserve? I thought this meant these areas were protected. But maybe it only means they are ‘managed’: in the way whoever-currently-in-power believes they should be ‘managed’.

‘Protected species’? “Oh, we’ll just re-locate them.” “Move along please… Time to find a new place to exist.”

Some humans seem to be a bit territorial and inclined to say: “That’s mine and I want it now. And I’m having it by whatever means necessary. Planning permission? Bah! Environmental guidelines? Pooh!”

Or maybe we’ll just kill off the targeted species in a cull: “Tally ho! We’re just clearing the way for our vision, which doesn’t, I’m afraid, include the likes of you. Bon voyage.”  Shove.

Badger, beetle or human being. It is advisable to take care when approaching these individuals. They’re armed with bullshit and chain saws and are willing to use them – and are potentially very dangerous to the collective well-being of society.

Anti new road?

I’m not anti new roads per se. I object to a road being built through a natural space that had been labelled “a valley of tranquility” by the very people, ESCC, who sought to plough through its wildness, seeking development and profit.

I am 100% pro us looking after our existing transportation pathways. Giving them some TLC.

If there are to be new roads, let’s make them – and be able to repair them – using super-environmentally friendly materials; sustainable and long-lasting; non-toxic.

Alternatives

Of course there are alternatives to the car and new roads. We all know this. It just depends who’s analysing the data, who’s compiled the data, who’s doing the marketing and publicity, who’s making the laws and the policies and procedures and sending their message down along the chain. And then, of course, there’s what actually happens in real life.

(As an aside, it puzzles me that our recent ministers for climate change – firstly Greg Barker, MP for Bexhill and Battle and now Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye – have both consistently been 100% behind the building of a new road. And a new road that has been ploughed through a natural green space. These are the people working on behalf of – and representing – our environment? Lordy, lordy – doesn’t that seem a bit strange to you?)

Who do I represent and who sponsors me?

Me! I’m an independent advocate. I choose what and who I write about (sincerely, one of the blessings of writing for HOT, an independent co-operative publication). And so far, unlike in other places on the planet and here in this country too, I am a writer who has not been censored or edited.

I am non-violent. Violence is not the only way. I reject the ‘eye for an eye’ mentality. ‘Tis old hat now. We’ve tried it. It doesn’t work. You just make more enemies and are constantly scared that the majority will rise up against you and …yawn… Is it not time for a new approach?

One that is more current? More contemporary?

Wild life

I also do my best to stand up for all the non-human species whose voices are not heard and whose rights are having the right royal piss taken out of them. I am their advocate too.

These non-human species currently reside in these wild spaces, so there are existing residents, just not of the human variety. I write on behalf of the green spaces – and want to protect. I like them. They make me feel good. I feel happy there. They soothe me. They do not judge me or call me names and they’re very good listeners. And they soak up a lot of our shit and keep this place clean-aired and earthed.

And I am not alone in thinking and feeling this way, am I?

Ask not what nature is doing for you,

but what you are doing for nature! 🙂

Thanks for reading and for getting this far with me on this train of words and images! I appreciate your company.

ZR X

* Combe Haven petition link and details here. Just so’s you’re aware of what got me started on writing this to you today.

* The Campaign for Better Transport report and access to their current information here.

 

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