DWT fears over construction pollution

Dorset Wildlife Trust is calling on the government not to relax rules that protect waterways from construction pollution runoff.

Reports have emerged that the Government is considering scrapping a policy designed to mitigate the environmental impact of new developments, amid claims it was blocking new houses being built. But the trust says nutrient neutrality schemes play a ‘crucial role’ in protecting the county’s rivers, fish species, plant life and people.

Trust chief executive Brian Bleese said: “Nutrient pollution, such as nitrates, is causing massive harm to Dorset rivers and to Poole

Harbour. It is vital that we continue to implement nutrient neutrality schemes which provide costeffective ways to unlock housebuilding while also mitigating the environmental impact of new developments – and those methods have the added benefit of helping people, communities, and nature too.”

He added: “Our precious rivers and coastal areas are facing untenable levels of pollution from agriculture, industry, and domestic waste, with only 15% in good ecological status. We must have robust measures in place.

“Reports that the Government is considering removing or changing the nutrient neutrality requirement for new developments are very concerning and could seriously set back the delivery of schemes similar to DWT’s Wild Woodbury initiative.”

The purchase of DWT’s 420-acre Wild Woodbury site near Bere Regis was supported by a grant from both Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Council and Dorset Council, to mitigate the impacts of increases in nitrates due to new housing development in the Poole Harbour catchment.

Advocacy is supporting health and social care

A new and free advocacy service for people needing help to understand, access and having their interests represented in health and social care services, has been launched.

South West Advocacy Network (Swan), is now the single provider for Dorset Council and NHS Dorset. Individuals, family, friends and professionals can make referrals to

Swan at swanadvocacy.org.uk/ dorset by email at dorset@ swanadvocacy.org.uk or by phone on 03333 447928.