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BTCV Community Network – Environmental Policy – LDCV 1. The Global Picture We recognise that, as a local conservation group our impact extends
beyond the practical projects we undertake. In particular, we believe that the
negative impacts of climate change are a central challenge for our generation.
We acknowledge that there is overwhelming evidence that the worst impacts of
climate change constitute one of the greatest social, environmental and economic
threats to society. We accept the need for action on climate change and that groups like ours
can play a part. As such, we are committed to taking positive steps to reduce
the negative environmental impact we have, whilst encouraging similar action
within our community. We acknowledge the Third Sector Declaration on Climate Change, to which
BTCV is a signatory. This declaration publicly commits BTCV to address the issue
of climate change and support the groups in its Community Network in doing the
same. 2. How we will contribute to a better
environment for the current and future generations At the heart of the work of our conservation group is a desire to protect
and enhance our local environment. This is for the benefit of nature
conservation and the education and informal enjoyment of the current and future
generations. We have identified the actions highlighted below and are committed
to regularly reviewing and updating these. In relation to our site management we will: a) Ensure that all the practical projects we undertake are part of an
agreed management plan, developed by the relevant site owner/manager b) Liaise with the relevant landowner/site manager to ensure that their
proposed work programme has considered the time of year that work is undertaken
so that it minimises any disturbance to wildlife c) Ensure that the environmental benefits of the work undertaken on our
workdays are explained d) When practicable, find alternative uses of cut material and thus
reduce the amount of material we burn e) If planting trees or shrubs, plant native species and avoid the use of
peat-based products f) Reserve the right to refuse to undertake particular projects if, in
the view of our project leader on the day, the short-term disturbance to
wildlife will outweigh the long-term benefits the work will achieve g) Revise our work practices when new evidence emerges relating to the
best environmental practice. 3) Our wider environmental impact To help minimise our wider environmental impact we will: a) Use our programme to make our members more environmentally aware b) Use our newsletter and website to educate and inform our members about
wider environmental issues c) Use recycled paper for the printing of our newsletters and programmes d) When possible, purchase goods/services that are locally produced e) Purchase fair-traded refreshments for meetings and field days f) Encourage the sharing of vehicles when travelling to work sites. We
prefer to use our group vehicle whenever possible g) Encourage other bodies with whom we interact (such as the Parish
Council, schools and farms) to adopt sound environmental principles. Approved at Committee Meeting 11/7/07 Review date 11/7/08. |
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