John Leech backs protection for urban wildlife

10.12.38am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 28th Mar 2007

Many of the green spaces in south Manchester are under threat from developers

Lib Dem MP for Manchester Withington has backed moves in parliament to protect the diverse wildlife which thrives in many urban areas.

Currently wildlife which lives on land designated as 'brownfield', which includes nearly all land in urban areas, is not protected when plans for new developments are decided on.

John Leech said:

"There are many sites in South Manchester, such as The Rookery in West Didsbury, which are home to numerous wildlife species and plant species. These should be awarded some protection from the developer's bulldozer. There needs to be a change in legislation so that wildlife can continue to thrive in our area."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

EDM 502

PROTECTION OF BROWNFIELD WILDLIFE SITES 13.12.2006

That this House recognises that a significant number of brownfield or

previously-developed sites are rich in endangered and protected wildlife;

notes the important role that these brownfield sites have to play in the

conservation of wildlife and delivering the EU commitment to halt

biodiversity loss by 2010; is concerned that current planning policy is

leading to the loss of many of these key wildlife habitats, such as the

north lagoon of West Thurrock Marshes, a nationally important site that

supports almost a thousand species of animals, birds and reptiles, including

36 rare invertebrates listed in the Red Data Book and three on the UK

Biodiversity Action Plan, yet which is now threatened with development; and

calls upon the Government to work in partnership with local and regional

government and environmental protection agencies to protect and enhance the

brownfield biodiversity found on sites such as West Thurrock Marshes.