|
History of Wildlife and Countryside Link |
|
Wildlife
and Countryside Link began life as Wildlife Link in 1980. It was set up by Lord
Peter Melchett, whose position in the House of Lords convinced him that better
co-ordination was needed between voluntary organisations with similar core
objectives. Wildlife Link merged with Countryside Link in 1990, creating the
organisation that we have today whose interests span the breadth of wildlife and
countryside issues. |
|
In
2005, Link celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a parliamentary
reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Peter Ainsworth MP. At this
reception, Link launched its 25 year review document entitled Making the
Link, which catalogues Link's many successes throughout its 25 year
history to date. |
| Making the
Link is available for download in PDF (3Mb)
here. Please
contact us if you would prefer to
receive a hard copy by post. |
|
 To read PDF documents you need Acrobat Reader.
Click on the icon (left) to download it free. |
| Link's
Successes: |
|
2008
After several years
of campaigning by the Marine Task Force, a draft Marine Bill is published. |
|
2007
UK Biodiversity
Action Plan list of priority species is published, to which Link has
contributed much time and effort. |
|
2007
Following Link’s
adoption of the Blueprint for Water, the campaign celebrates its first year
of successes and failures with a report welcomed by Government. |
|
2006
Minerals Policy
Statement (MPS) I with Annexes is published, which incorporates many of
Link’s key policies. |
|
2006
Link members
appointed to all ten Environment Agency River Basin District Liaison Panels. |
|
2006
Link successfully
campaigns for a consultation on a Planning Policy Statement on Planning and
Climate Change. |
|
2005
A
draft Marine Bill is included in the legislative programme for the new
parliamentary session as a result of Link's Marine Campaign. |
|
2005
A new
Environmental Stewardship Scheme is introduced which Link helped develop
through participation in Steering Group. |
|
2004
An
Early Day Motion calling for marine legislation is signed by more than 300
MPs. |
|
2004
Sustainable Development is a key part of the Planning and Compulsory
Purchase Act 2004, as a result of a Link campaign. |
|
2003
Link
secures better protection of freshwater habitats through amendments to the
Water Act 2003. |
2002
Link successfully campaigned to secure greater protection for many species through CITES.
|
2001
Launch of Marine Charter, a call for reform of the management and protection of
our seas. |
2000
Countryside and Rights of Way Act becomes law after year of concerted effort to
keep it on track. Section included providing legal underpinning of the
Biodiversity Action Planning process. Campaign to change EU law on definition of
hedgerows succeeds, preventing the destruction of hundreds of miles of hedges. |
1999
Following dedicated WCL campaign to secure better legal protection for wildlife,
Government includes Bill in Queen's speech and WCL is awarded Green Ribbon
Political Award. |
1998
Link conference successfully raises awareness of the effects of endocrine
disrupting chemicals in the marine environment. |
1997
Launch of Wildlife Charter, backed by twenty two wildlife organisations
outlining the need for wildlife law reform. |
1995
Link pressure helps to win reinstatement of Countryside Council for Wales budget
following savage cuts. |
1993
Link helps to secure a European regulation limiting the length of drift nets in
the high seas. |
1992
Link maps out a new agenda for forestry policy in its "Future Forestry" report. |
1991
Link publishes a benchmark report on SSSI protection. |
1990
Link members co-ordinate to secure a 50 year ban on mining in Antarctica. |
1986
Link pressure helps win International Whaling Commission moratorium on
commercial whaling. |
1981
Link plays a key role during the passage of the Wildlife and Countryside Bill
through Parliament. |
