East Suffolk Conservative Councillors are absolutely delighted to see daffodils flowering across East Suffolk in many of our villages and towns. This is the result of the final policy in the administration’s four-year focus on biodiversity.
The first stage of the policy commenced with less cutting of grass on land owned by East Suffolk, a more environmentally sustainable management. Allowing the grass to grow allowed flowers to bloom and many insects to populate these areas. This policy really caught the imagination of the public and we now have over 150 sites across East Suffolk. This was then followed by a more engaged management of closed graveyards. Paths cut to graves that required access but the older graves and the periphery of the graveyards the grass was allowed to grow creating pocket nature reserves as the insects and wildlife returned.
As we approached the queen’s jubilee celebration East Suffolk Conservatives gifted an oak tree to every parish council across the district. This tree was not only a fitting celebration of the queen’s reign but positively supported environmental concerns. Finally, Cllr Mallinder, the then cabinet member of the environment launched the East Suffolk Blooms campaign with spring bulbs distributed in October. These bulbs are now coming into flower supporting our inspects and giving some welcome spring cheer.
However, there is still a question mark at East Suffolk if such a focus will continue and even if the Pardon the weeds campaign will continue in 2024. Cllr Mallinder has asked for a reassurance from the leader of East Suffolk these polices will continue and there will be continued engagement with our communities to support our biodiversity.
Cllr Mallinder stated ‘It is now or never when we are really able to contribute to our biodiversity and make a difference. We are the first generation to understand the issue and we will be the last generation able to act. I believe small changes and as well as these big changes in how we implement policy can and will make a difference ‘
‘Wildflowers have disappeared from our hedgerows, we have lost over 97 pct of wildflower meadows since the 1940s, it is now therefore up to councils and residents to support our wildlife. However, as I travel though East Suffolk, I can see we can make a different and the hundreds of daffodils in flower just lift the heart reminding us spring is round the corner and we are making a positive difference. I have a huge smile on my face as I think organised this campaign ‘
There are many questions over the commitment to the environment of the new administration, but East Suffolk Conservative are making sure the new administration remains focused in its polices and direction. We all need to work together to put the environment at the centre of this council and it really isn’t a choice anymore we must and should support our biodiversity in any way we can.
