THE State of Nature Report was much in the news last week. Barry and Vale Friends of the Earth had a successful meeting with Erica Dixon, the Vale's Ecology Officer, to discuss the Report.

Erica gave a presentation which revealed how little meadowland and open space is available and how much of our biodiversity has been lost. The Group were horrified to hear of land-owners who break the law by ploughing up rare and endangered wildlife rich meadows, to prepare for housing which has not even had permission and which many local people oppose.

The Group agreed with Erica, that developers who are out to despoil our environments should first be stopped. Secondly, negotiated with if development is given the go-ahead and thirdly much more money has to be paid out, to compensate for the loss of habitats, so they can be replaced, on a larger scale.

The Group agreed that developers should comply with all National/International Wildlife Laws and Regulations, whilst providing Ecology Reports.

The Group were concerned to hear that Erica's working partner in promoting Biodiversity has not been re-appointed, leaving Erica to do a difficult job, alone. We will be asking the Vale Council to appoint a full-time Biodiversity Officer, to work alongside Cllr Rob Curtis, the Vale's Biodiversity Champion, with a remit to increase Biodiversity, through ensuring a Green Belt around Barry, including the extension/joining up of the Ancient Woodland areas which are already protected and the redevelopment of the old Environmental Studies Centre in Weycock Cross Woodlands. The children and young people of the Vale would then have a local base to learn about their environments. We urge the Vale Council to take up these challenges, take the Environment from the bottom of their list and begin the journey of recovery for our decimated wildlife. As our Patron Saint said, “Take care of the little things”.