Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has become one of the first MP species champions in England after lending his political support to the barn owl.
Iconic and threatened English species are being ‘adopted’ by MPs across England, who are acting as ‘Species Champions’ to help improve the species’ future. From the smooth snake to the nightingale, 20 English species currently facing significant threats have been identified and put up for adoption.
The initiative was launched this month by a coalition of seven nature NGOs - RSPB, Butterfly Conservation, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Buglife, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Plantlife and Bat Conservation Trust. This follows a successful model in Scotland, and a trial in the South West of England in 2014.
Species Champions will be able to learn first-hand about their species from wildlife NGOs and shown how we can help species populations recover. It is hoped the work will provide a brighter future for the species, spread that knowledge throughout the political community and shape policy to improve its future.
This also follows news that the World Owl Trust will be relocating from Cumbria to Himley Park. The Trust holds some of the finest and most diverse collection of breeding birds in the UK consisting of about 190 birds of 52 species. The barn owl itself has been spotted in the wild in South Staffordshire close to Himley Park, Shoal Hill Common and on Baggeridge Country Park.
Martin Harper, RSPB Director of Conservation, commented “England is home to fantastic wildlife, but many of our most iconic species are in decline. By working with MPs to tell the stories of these species, we hope to raise awareness of their plight and the practical action and policy decisions needed to turn their fortunes around. We’re delighted so many MPs have come on board to give nature a strong voice in Parliament.”
Commenting on the barn owl Gavin said: “The barn owl is such a beautiful, iconic species. I am delighted to become its champion in Westminster and to work with the RSPB to find really practical ways we can protect our diverse UK wildlife it for future generations. It’s wonderful to see so many MPs getting behind the species champions project.”