Saving the small things that run the planetWhen a site has been under threat from development, or wildlife in the firing line from a new government policy, your voice has helped a difference. Because politicians and other decision makers are more likely to listen when they see that this is an issue lots of us are passionate about.
Your support has helped to ensure the future of sites such as Canvey Wick, dubbed ‘England’s rainforest’ on account of its incredible variety of bugs, including a bumblebee which has almost disappeared from the rest of the UK. You have also helped us to achieve a ban on Synthetic Pyrethroids, a hugely toxic sheepdip that has been responsible for the severe pollution of miles of our rivers.
In many ways Canvey Wick was a typical example of a brownfield site earmarked for development – a former oil refinery which had shut down and gone derelict. But it turned out to be such an important wildlife habitat that experts started to call it ‘England’s rainforest’. After a 3-year campaign by Buglife and local residents to save the site from a business park development, Canvey Wick was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on 11 February 2005, the first brownfield site to be protected specifically for its invertebrates.
Following the Buglife campaign to ban sheep dipping with synthetic pyrethroids, on 22nd February 2006 the Veterinary Medicines Directorate suspended the license to sell the Synthetic Pyrethroid (Cypermethrin) for sheep dipping on environmental grounds with immediate effect.
“Slopping highly toxic chemicals about the countryside is an outdated and outmoded practice. Pour-on and injectable alternatives cause much less environmental destruction. We hope that this ban becomes permanent and our rivers and meadows are allowed to recover.” said Matt Shardlow, Conservation Director of Buglife.
Join a community of invertebrate champions and access exclusive member benefits from just £3 a month, all whilst supporting our vital conservation work.
MembershipEvery contribution helps us to save the small things that run the planet by restoring vital habitats and rebuilding strong invertebrate populations in the UK.
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