Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is calling for urgent action to protect wildlife in the county against the dramatic effects of climate change. Along with neighbouring wildlife trusts, SWT has launched a report - A Living Landscape for the South East - which maps the way forward for the region to tackle climate change.

Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive of SWT says ‘We can’t exist without nature - it can help us in our battle against climate change. But nature cannot exist in a box. Currently our wildlife habitats are fragmented and separated from one another. We have to think outside the box and create a living landscape – a green network of wildlife habitats so that plants and animals can move and adapt. Otherwise, as the climate changes, wildlife will be restricted to isolated patches and will simply disappear.’

Traditionally nature conservation in Britain has focused on the protection of special sites. In this report SWT is calling for a landscape-scale network of habitats that would reconnect wildlife through natural corridors linking one area to the next to ensure the long term survival of the South East’s unique natural environment.

Encouraging nature benefits all of us who live and work in the South East.
A countryside that is rich is wildlife protects us from the threats of climate change. The restoration of extensive areas of natural habitat – particularly wetlands and woodlands – increases the ability of the environment to protect us from flooding and also helps soak up our carbon dioxide emissions.

The report also stresses that better access to the natural environment can replenish our spirits and improve mental and physical health. Making wild places accessible to more people can improve their quality of life.

SWT is already establishing green networks for the county, and endeavouring to develop larger blocks of wildlife habitat centred on its nature reserves. The Trust aims to continue working with local authorities and other key agencies to build on this vision of a healthy, interconnected, robust environment – an attractive green matrix in which people and wildlife can flourish in a changing world.
To download the report - A Living Landscape for the South East - log on to www.sussexwt.org.uk and click on the conservation home page. Alternatively for a paper copy please ring SWT on 01273 492630.

Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is the county’s leading conservation organisation. We use our knowledge and expertise to help people and organisations in Sussex to enjoy, understand and take action to conserve the environment and its wildlife. With more than 23,500 members SWT looks after over 3,500 acres on its nature reserves. We speak out – and are listened to – on the major conservation issues that impact on life in Sussex.

Wildlife Trusts in the South East
The South East Wildlife Trusts comprise of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust and Sussex Wildlife Trust. Though independent charities, the South East Wildlife Trusts work together to stand up for wildlife in the South East Region.

Press Enquiries: Vicky Whitaker, Assistant Press Officer 01273 492630