MP Rosie signs up to protect wildlife

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper spent an afternoon among the birds and the bees before signing a Pledge for The Environment.

Ms Cooper met some of her constituents and Lancashire Wildlife Trust officers and volunteers at the Haskayne Cutting nature reserve.

She signed the pledge which calls on the Government to ensure the UK’s departure from the European Union will continue to mean “a thriving natural world on land and at sea, clean air and water, communities connected to nature and a sustainable economy.”

Rosie met The Lancashire Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Anne Selby and Haskayne Cutting reserve manager Lindsay Beaton.

She said she would be happy to bring up and support environmental issues in the Brexit debates in the coming years and that we are all still waiting for a clear idea of the many issues surrounding the UK’s position. She said: “It is a very fluid situation at the moment and seems to change day by day, but I will ensure our front bench is aware of your concerns and any opportunity to include them in any amendments to future Bills.”

She has taken plans to turn off pumps on the rivers Alt and Crossens, in West Lancashire, to the highest level to ensure farmers, residents and wildlife are given the highest possible protection, having met with Ministers and E.A.

When asked about hare coursing MP Rosie said she had already spoken to the Chief Constable and promised “to be a nuisance” to the authorities to try to put an end to this activity.

Anne said: “Rosie’s visit shows her commitment to nature and it is a pleasure to host her on this beautiful reserve.”

Supported by volunteers Roy and Cathy Cunliffe, local residents and Owen Connolly, chair of the parish council and other council members, LIndsay said: “This reserve is surrounded by intensive farming providing a refuge for wildlife. Our work depends on the support of volunteers, the parish council and farmers in the area.”

Haskayne Cutting was formerly a railway line and station, which closed in the 1950s. It is well known for its orchids and is presently home to hundreds of bees and butterflies.

The Pledge for the Environment is an initiative of Greener UK, which is made up of more than a dozen conservation organisations. You can read it here – https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/Greener-UK/Take-Action.