Mersey Basin Campaign | Items themed Strategic

Publication dateJune 2008 MBC132 Saving Ratty The water vole is the UK’s fastest declining mammal species thanks to a reduction in available habitats and the introduction of the predatory American mink. It is estimated that the species has lost 94% of its range making it a Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. James Fair follows two dedicated projects, the Northwest Lowlands Water Vole Project and the Cumbria Water Vole Project to learn about what’s being done to save these wonderful creatures.

Publication dateJune 2008 MBC131 Environmental Champion - Nes Brierley Source talks to Nes Brierley, member of I Bike MCR and Bike It officer for Sustrans about what she loves about cycling and why she feels increasing the use of sustainable transport is so important.

Publication dateMarch 2008 MBC128 Water Pressures With the amount of rain we get in the Northwest it is hard to believe that water could ever possibly be in short supply. In reality though, water supplies in the UK are already under serious threat, a threat which will only be exacerbated once climate change starts making an impact. With drier summers on the horizons water shortage will become a major issue not just for people, but for our environment as well. Matthew Sutcliffe takes a look at the bleak future of our region’s water supplies and examines United Utilities’ strategic direction statement that sets out its plans for coping with the challenges of climate change and our over-use of water.

Publication dateMarch 2008 MBC127 Spotlight - Annie Merry Source talks to Annie Merry, Director of Faiths4Change, a multi-faith environmental project that helps bring people from different faiths and backgrounds together to make small-scale environmental improvements to deprived urban areas across the Northwest.

Publication dateMarch 2008 MBC126 Splitting the Atom With the threat of climate change and rapidly depleting fossil fuel resources, new methods of low-carbon energy generation cannot be ignored. New nuclear is one such method and a controversial one at that. Source talks to leading figures from the nuclear, research and environmental sectors to explore their views on what new nuclear will mean for the UK’s energy sector and for the Northwest.

Publication dateMarch 2008 MBC125 Environmental Champion - Carol Price Source talks to Carol Price about her war against litter in the River Darwen, Lancashire. She has organised an annual community river clean for the past 14 years and has been awarded the prestigious Unilever Dragonfly Award in recognition of her dedication to improving the environment.

Publication dateMarch 2008 MBC124 Case Notes - Growing Strong Offshoots Permaculture Project, located in the grounds of Burnley's Towneley Hall is a centre devoted to agri-environmental practices. Initially set up by green-fingered locals and now managed by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire, the centre keeps bees, grows vegetables and provides a local composting service, from which the centre is now making money. Ciara Leeming examines why the centre has become such a success and looks at its plans for the future.

Publication dateJanuary 2008 MBC122 Spotlight - Chris Matthews Source talks to Chris Matthews, United Utilities’ dedicated carbon manager about the scope of his job and the challenges United Utilities faces in trying to provide the best service to customers whilst trying to also cut carbon emissions.