DEFRA listens to MP's concerns over peat bogs

21.10.04

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey, has received assurances from Ben Bradshaw MP that two rare habitats of significant scientific interest will be designated candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), providing they meet selection criteria.

In response to calls from his constituents to urge the Government to reconsider their decision not to designate Bolton Fell Moss and Solway Moss in Cumbria as SACs, Edward Davey wrote to Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Nature Conservation and Fisheries at DEFRA. The Minister's response acknowledged these concerns and indicated that it was not too late for these sites to receive SAC status.

Commenting, Edward Davey MP, who is a member of the 'Green Lib Dems' group, said:

"Lowland raised peatbogs are one of the rarest habitats in Europe. They need to be protected before they are wiped out altogether.

"It is obviously something that many of my constituents felt strongly about as they wrote in to express their distress at the current situation. It is a matter of national concern. We should be protecting the many rare and wonderful habitats that England has to offer.

"The Minister assured me in his letter that consultation on these two sites is ongoing and that there is every chance that they will be designated as candidate SACs.

"I certainly hope this is the case. I look forward to seeing the outcome of the consultation and am glad that I have been able to voice the concerns of my constituents on this matter."

RSPB

English Nature