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The British countryside is increasingly under threat. New roads, housing and airports are eroding our open spaces, blurring the line between where suburbia ends and country begins. Although no-one ever sat down and signed off the wholesale destruction of the countryside, the insidious creep of concrete and bricks – an out-of-town retail park here, another ring road there – is adding up to the same effect.
Half of our ancient woodlands, half our coastal marshes and 95 percent of our flower-rich meadows and lowland peat bogs are already gone. An area of green land the size of Southampton is lost to development each year, and habitat destruction is driving once common animals such as otters, water voles and owls onto threatened species lists.
Rising levels of environmental concern among the general public have not so far been matched by political action. However, momentum is building for change. Politicians are finally beginning to compete for the green vote, and new doors are opening for community campaigners, particularly those that are part of strong networks sharing resources and speaking with one voice.
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Disappearing woods and fields take with them values that people of all generations hold dear – a sense of tranquillity, escape, and closeness to nature. Some of these same people have taken it upon themselves to protect nature. All over Britain, local groups of concerned citizens are challenging plans for irresponsible development, stimulating debate over the type of countryside we want to leave to our children and grandchildren, and the quality of life we seek for ourselves today.
The Manuka Club was set up to support these local heroes and to secure a living and healthy countryside for the enjoyment of everyone.
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