If we hope to restore nature and give it the protection needed, something really needs to be done about the resources allocated to the vital fight against biodiversity decline.
Without insects, birds, bees and trees, we all face extinction. And the continued piecemeal decimation of pockets of nature dotted all over the city amounts to a serious problem - whether at the hands of developers or public authorities.
I headed off to a council meeting at Lagans Lands East after what many judged as a serious error on the council’s part, when they cut down row of mature Hawthorne trees to ‘investigate’ where they might put a greenway connecting Belvoir Forest and the Lagan Gateway Project.
Read more: Belfast folks 'despair' after 200m of Hawthorne trees removed as birds nest
As I walked the winding paths to a gazebo erected by Belfast City Council I was struck by the wildflowers blooming behind fences on each side of the park. My first thought was, ‘isn’t that nice’ - but much of what was growing there isn’t native and I doubt will do little to support nature’s needs.
On arrival I struck by the anger felt among locals there to haul the council over the coals about their decimation of a vital part of that ecosystem in bird nesting season.
I reported in May how Green Party Cllr Brian Smyth was so concerned about the removal of that 200 metres of 6m tall trees, he reported it to police. I’m sure the council wasn’t too happy - but at least it got them talking to locals about their plans and listening to feedback before deciding on a way forward.
Discussions around the table got heated. Some don’t want the greenway at all because of the upset the Lagan Gateway project has already caused biodiversity in the area.
One man told me ducks and swans that once frequented the river haven’t been seen since the new bridge was put in. Local woman Fiona McKinley likened what’s been done already to “Teletubby land”.
“You need to try and redress the huge amount of damage that has been done to Lagan Lands East,” she told council staff. “I would love to see you come up with an idea of something like a wildlife ramble which is what this used to be.
“There was always paths through here and wasn’t anywhere near as much damage at that time. Look at the amount of paths that you’ve built - Teletubby land over there with some annuals to make it all look colourful but no actual habitat.
“What you destroyed was horrific. Lot’s of little birds used to come and nest here - the disturbance you’ve created has destroyed a very extensive ecosystem.”
Belfast City Council workers admitted on the day there were five nests in and around the Hawthorne trees they chopped down - but wouldn’t elaborate because of the police investigation.
Police have since told me, that a month on, their investigation into the matter has closed as they “did not uncover any evidence to suggest any nests had been removed, therefore no offences were detected”.
Needless to say I had follow up questions, none of which they’d answer. And that in itself raises alarm bells. Did council tell them they were aware of nests in the area? They wouldn’t say.
As a result I didn’t get to ask if officers were able to inspect the trees removed for nests - or had the wood already been taken from the site? No arrests were made and police wouldn’t tell me how many council staff they questioned.
I know the police have a big job and that alleged crimes against wildlife are probably the least of their worries.
But if we are going to get serious about protecting and restoring biodiversity, people need to feel the issue is being taken seriously. And not just by police, but local authorities too.
A council spokesperson told me: “As we’ve explained previously, if hedge cutting is required during nesting season, checks must be undertaken on those specific hedges/trees to ensure there are no nesting birds present.
“This was done as part of the recent works at Lagan Lands East. These works were then paused to allow more engagement to take place.
“As this is a natural area, there may be other active nests in the surrounding area, given the time of year – but our process has been focused on the particular area of hedgerow which was required to be removed.”
Council staff said on the day they hadn’t decided on a route for this proposed greenway, so I’m very confused about the ‘required’ removal of the trees.
It’s time to adopt the same approach to the upheaval of nature for our own interests as doctors do when treating patients.
“First, do no harm.”
Communities are crying out for it.
Wasted opportunity for circular economy strategy?
DAERA is starting work on its new Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland, which is expected in 2023.
Reductions in the amount of waste we have sent to landfill since the 2013 plan are to be applauded, alongside the 81% reduction in plastic bags and 50% recycling rate.
Instead of just a waste management plan, I would argue Minister Poots should be forming a Circular Economy Strategy.
It’s all well and good looking at what we do with the waste we produce, but it’s rising.
If we really want to get to grips with its environmental impact, we need to reduce throwaway items like single use plastics, hot drinks cup, cans and bottles as well as single use food cartons.
Minister Poots says: “My department will now begin working with stakeholders to develop a new Waste Management Strategy.
“This will include implementation of new recycling and landfill reduction targets and incorporating new policy developments since 2013, such as a deposit return scheme for cans and bottles and extended producer responsibly schemes for priority waste streams like electrical goods and textiles.”
A Circular Economy Strategy would deal with all this and more.
Belfast gigs can do better than carpets of plastic
A huge round of applause to the music events and summer festivals doing their bit to encourage an environmentally conscious ethos.
Glastonbury asks festival-goers to sign their ‘Love the Farm, Leave no Trace’ pledge and vow to take tents etc home, use the bins, recycling pens, the loos provided and avoid single use water bottles.
They also had their first net-zero bar in the iconic Rabbit Hole, which promised to offset any emissions it couldn’t avoid.
Closer to home, Body & Soul Festival at Westmeath’s Ballinlough Castle, is a one of the Green Deal Circular Festivals and hosted a ‘ Go Green ’ art installation highlighting electrical waste made by Charlotte Moloney and Laju Uwatse and commissioned by ERP Ireland.
I’d love to see a bit more of that at the gigs and concerts in Belfast, where you feel like you’re walking on a carpet of plastics.
Sale suckers
Don’t be sucked in by retail sales. It’s just companies that way overproduce hoping to suck you into buying sh*t you really don’t need. Save your money and invest in pieces that last and that you’ll wear over and over again - you’ll feel better in every way.
READ NEXT:
Watch: Behind the scenes with Rathlin Islanders helping endangered puffins
NI environment bosses failing own targets at 40% of 'protected' sites
Majority of Belfast people want more segregated cycle lanes on roads
Record NI temperature marked in global WMO report on escalating climate crisis
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
