Concern at funding crisis for Stroud Valleys Project

Stroud Valleys Project is being threatened by a funding withdrawl - my letter to them and District Council is below and at the bottom a petition that might interest:

Photo: Railway arches near Capel Mill where SVP have spoken out to protect the river cliff

I write a quick note regarding concerns over your current financial position. I am shocked to hear that such a hugely successful project as yours is threatened with closure.

SVP has played a vital and important role in raising awareness and participation in a whole host of environmental-related activities in Stroud District. In my local area I've witnessed involvement with the local Randwick Scouts, support for the Ruscombe Brook Action Group's improvements to water quality and biodiversity and involving the community in improvements to Hamwell Leaze.

I read that nearly 1,000 adults and children in 2006/7 across the District have learned about the environment and have got involved in local projects including planting 4 miles of hedgerows and more than 1,500 trees.

I am appalled that Natural England should withdraw it's funding when climate change means that we need all the more to increase our awareness and skills in working with our natural environment. Indeed research at Cornell University study shows that if you want children to grow up to actively care about the environment, then they need plenty of time in the 'wild' before they're 11 years old. While the benefits to mental health of adults working and volunteering in nature are also well recorded.

The staff and volunteers I have met at SVP are doing an amazing job. I hope that funding can be found and that you will be able to continue your important work. I wish you the very best in securing core-funding.

Cllr. Philip Booth,
Stroud District councillor for the Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward

Anyone wishing to make a donation or help call them on 01453 753358 or follow link above.

Sign petition re environment education

Plus please find below link to a petition calling for "the Prime Minister to put the Environment at the heart of the National Curriculum by introducing Environmental Education as a cross-curricular theme in the Foundation Stage and key stages 1 and 2; and as a statutory subject at key stage 3; and by raising awareness of Environmental Education as a vital dimension of the government's 'Sustainable Schools' strategy."

Sign here:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/env-ed/