Hannah Millbank’s Post

Fantastic to see the WWT and The Rivers Trust making the economic argument for the value of nature - something our Managing Partner Dr. Andrew Lumsden-Groom explained would be critical in this parliamentary period back in July as part of our post-election briefing on results day: "Instead of fighting the government, tell them there's a way to make this work. In the case of wetlands, there is established data around the value of them as flood defences. Don't fight for a giant new bill that the government then has to pass, get into the departments with an economic argument leading to changes that can be done through devolved legislation and regulation within the existing system. We can still have the big 'pay rise for nature' but we need to break that down into clear, costed policy that can be actioned". In this parliamentary term, where Labour's entire focus will be on securing votes from the working class right, all your arguments need an economic lens to get cut-through. If you can't show that your policy and campaign asks are revenue neutral or positive, and don't pass any cost burden on to working people, they simply won't be considered in the next 5 years. Recap on our "Countdown to the King's Speech" post-election briefing with Dr. Andrew Lumsden-Groom in full here: https://lnkd.in/eemsVxsG #Campaigning #PayRiseForNature #PublicAffairs #Lobbying

A great new tool! Huge well done to the team who put this together, but especially Leanne Tough 👏👏👏 As the technical report states "The work enables users to: • Identify areas of the UK where wetland restoration can deliver real impact for people and communities, by storing carbon, improving water quality, increasing flood resilience and improving wellbeing; • Explore where wetlands offer maximum value through multiple benefits; • Facilitate discussions with partners interested in increasing natural capital benefits through large-scale wetland creation; and • To generate action by demonstrating to policymakers and the wider public the potential impact of wetland restoration."

Wetlands represent a diverse range of habitats, from reedbeds to wet woodlands, #estuaries to ponds. All deliver ecological, social, and economic benefits including a rapid response to the climate: #saltmarsh stores carbon 40 times faster than forests. #wetland #saltmarshes #bluecarbon #carbonsequestration

We know that wetlands have amazing superpowers. They’re water-purifying, flood-busting, carbon-storing, mood-boosting habitats, bursting with potential to benefit people and nature. Now, we’ve got the evidence to back that up. 📊 Introducing WWT’s Wetland Potential Maps. Looking at where new or restored wetlands would provide the most value to communities and nature, the maps highlight 100,000 hectares of “wetland potential” across the UK. 🗺️ Our evidence also demonstrates that wetlands are not only fast-acting, but they’re one of the most cost-effective nature-based solutions. For every £1 invested, freshwater wetlands deliver up to £9 of benefit in return. 💷 Head to our website for more information and to have a look at the maps through the Wetland Data Explorer app, which we’ve developed in collaboration with The Rivers Trust 👉 https://lnkd.in/ern68Yik

The Suffolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy wants to hear from you! If you live and work in Suffolk, follow the link to share your views, and encourage your friends, colleagues and families, including children and young people, to do the same. By way of background, the strategy aims to: * Boost existing nature (habitats and species) * Create new areas for nature * Improve people's access to, and connection with, nature * Use land sustainably, integrating nature into land uses such as agriculture and development * Collaborate with communities and partners to identify local nature recovery priorities * Assist with Suffolk's climate change mitigation and adaptation to seek win-wins for nature and the climate * Increase opportunities for nature education

Creating better outcomes for roadside nature 🌳 Did you know that roadside native vegetation can be a critical habitat for the survival of threatened flora and fauna? A permit is usually required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation unless an exemption applies. Last week, our Natural Environment Program team in the Loddon Mallee region connected with over 100 staff from @Mildura Rural City Council to share about the Road Safety Exemption. We're excited to be working together to: 🌳Protect our native vegetation ✔Foster a better understanding of regulatory requirements 🚧 Ensure native vegetation growing on roadsides is looked after Together, we're building a future where nature and infrastructure thrive. For more information about permits for native vegetation removal, visit: https://lnkd.in/gNaZvMQQ

#GreenInfrastructure & the critical connection to #water resources

Today is World Environment Day, and the theme of land restoration resonates deeply with our work at Holbrook Landcare Network. We're proud to partner with Murrumbidgee Landcare on a Future Drought Fund project focused on showcasing the economic, production, and environmental benefits of native vegetation restoration. Our key initiatives include: 📚 Updating the South-West Slopes & Riverina Revegetation Guides to empower our community with best practices. 🌍 Developing an interactive online revegetation platform to support landowners and land managers in making informed decisions. 🌳Establishing best practice demonstration sites to providing farmers with access to the latest revegetation techniques and helping them tap into natural capital markets. This vital work is made possible through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Learn more about our Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes project and our vision for a more resilient future. #landcare #DroughtResilience #sustainability #WorldEnvironmentDay #MurrumbidgeeLandcare #FutureDroughtFund #GenerationRestoration

While not typically thought of as cute, salamanders are top of mind for their important impacts on ecosystems and even communities! Take the four Texas Treasures salamanders who helped convince Texas cities to save water and rethink infrastructure projects. They may not be classically cute and cuddly, but they have certainly captured the hearts and attention of Texas Hill Country communities. Get to know these salamanders, the food they eat, the roles they play in their habitats and what makes them such important environmental indicators. https://dfnd.us/44G7DSp

🌲Offering a path forward through Wildlands protection.🌲 This time last year the study, Wildlands in New England: Past, Present, and Future, was released which filled a critical knowledge gap by providing an inventory of the location, characteristics, and protection status of all 1.3 million acres of Wildlands across the six New England states. Created by Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities in collaboration with NEWT, Harvard Forest, and the Highstead Foundation the impact of this report has been a call to action to include Wildlands protection as part of an integrated approach to conservation that also includes forests managed for wood products, natural spaces for recreation and renewal, and farmlands that produce local food — all existing among communities that rely on the health and beauty of the land that they call home. Once such example of integrated Wildlands is Muddy Pond Wilderness Preserve: "The distribution of many newer smaller Wildlands in suburbs and more densely populated areas, such as Muddy Pond Wilderness Preserve in exurban Kingston, Massachusetts, halfway between Boston and New Bedford, represents a growing emphasis on increasing accessibility for broader populations, and achieving Henry David Thoreau’s vision of a natural park in every town. (Wildlands in New England page 60)" 🔗 Check out the report here: https://lnkd.in/ecY2vn-y #landprotection #newengland #foreverwild #landtrust