Don’t damn the Severn Estuary
Tuesday 2nd March 2010
Surfers are set to catch the highest Severn Bore surge wave of the year today - cresting at 5.4m (17.7ft) high – as The Wildlife Trusts celebrate this unique phenomenon with a special report on the Severn Estuary.
The Wildlife Trusts’ report - Energy at any price? - launched today in the House of Lords, highlights the vital importance of the Severn Estuary. Not just for wildlife but people too. As the Government considers different proposals for harnessing the immense natural tidal power to create electricity, The Wildlife Trusts say damming the Estuary with an old-fashioned barrage would have a devastating impact. Instead, the Government should commit to investigating a range of modern, low-impact technologies.
The Wildlife Trusts believe three innovative options* hold the most promise. The decision should be taken on the basis of causing least environmental damage and being most cost-effective. The Wildlife Trusts want to ensure the chosen option will not be something society regrets in decades to come.
The Severn Estuary provides a haven for the young of commercial fish stocks. It provides a means of transport and trade. It is the site of many recreational pursuits and, by its very nature, brings enjoyment to people of all ages. And the importance of the Estuary for wildlife is recognised through UK, European and International law because of its internationally-important species and extensive habitat areas. By building a barrage, the Government would be reneging on its commitments to protect this wildlife to the highest levels.
Joan Edwards, head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“It is no exaggeration to say the Severn Estuary is an irreplaceable part of the UK’s natural heritage.
“It is a dynamic system which affects all our lives. We want to remind people about what the Severn Estuary means; it is part of our cultural heritage and it also very much part of today too; people rely on it for their livelihoods. We are mobilising our members to take action.
“We cannot view our energy needs in isolation from our environment. Altering the Severn’s intertidal habitat is so risky. We have a moral and ethical obligation to ensure the best options for the natural environment are pursued. We should not consider out-dated technology which could impact on the Estuary on an unprecedented scale.
“Destroying the Severn Estuary – arguably the eighth natural wonder of the world – would be a deadly sin. We need your support to protect this unique place – join us and become a ‘Severn Bore’!”
Naturalist and vice president for The Wildlife Trusts, Nick Baker, added:
"While it can appear a little flat and featureless the Severn Estuary - like all of our estuaries - is a unique and incredibly rich environment for wildlife. The mud literally teems with little life forms - twitching mud monsters and strange chimera can be found by sieving through just a spoonful of the gloopy grey Estuary mud. Most of us cannot be bothered with this lowly end of the life scale but I'm sure these same people would be mind-blown by the dashing and twisting of a flock or hundreds of dunlin trying to out-manoeuvre a hunting peregrine, or the mud-stitching elegance of a godwit in its pink breeding blush. These, and many more species of wading bird, are international tourists attracted to, and dependent on, this same mud to survive - the Severn Estuary is an internationally important habitat for all of these reasons.
"If you need an illustration of how important the Estuary is and its wide-reaching influence, nip down to Bridgewater bay in July; it looks like it's been snowing the once grey mud is covered in drifts of white - these are the moulted feathers of shelduck. Up to 4,000 birds congregate here from all over the western coast, especially from Ireland, in order to sit out this vulnerable time of their annual cycle away from the reaches of predators."
Join The Wildlife Trusts and become a ‘Severn Bore’:
1. Write to your MP - Express your concerns about taking the right decision, for the Estuary and people. Visit theyworkforyou.com
2. Join our campaign – Keep an eye on wildlifetrusts.org for news, developments and specific details of how to help
3. Volunteer – Give your time to help with this campaign if you are in Wales and the South West
4. Enjoy the Estuary – And visit local nature reserves in the area
For more information, please contact:
• Anna Guthrie, media & PR manager on 01636 670075 / 07887 754659 aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org
• Tanya Perdikou, media & campaigns officer on 01636 670057 / 07887 754657 tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org
Story by RSWT