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Tree bumblebee

Tree bumblebee by Wendy Carter

Position Statements and Policies

The Trust's position statements on key issues affecting wildlife and nature in Somerset can be found below.

Position Statements - Species

The following statements outline our position in regard to species specific issues in Somerset.

Badger at night
Position Statement

Bovine TB and badger culling

Based on the scientific evidence available we do not believe that culling a protected species is the right approach to tackling bovine TB.
Beaver on grassy bank
Position statement

Species Translocation and Nature Recovery

Highlighting the moving of individuals of a particular species to a different area to either create, recreate or increase wild populations.
Grey-long eared bat
Position Statement

Species Translocation Development

An outline the Trust’s response to species translocation (moving species to another site). Read more.

Position Statements - Habitats

The following statements outline our position in regard to specific habitat issues in Somerset.

A collection of wildflowers blooming in a meadow, including the purple towers of common spoted orchids
Position statement

Pesticides

A reduction in the use of pesticides is needed to reverse invertebrate decline and to rebuild and strengthen our ecosystems. Read more.
Glastonbury Tor
Position Statement

Water Quality on the Levels and Moors

The Somerset Levels and Moors has a particular water quality issue due to the high phosphate levels causing degradation of SSSIs. Read more.
Blue sky and cloud reflection over a restored peatland area
Position Statement

Peat Extraction

Peatlands are one of our greatest carbon stores, and as such are one of the most important instruments in our fight against climate change.
Houses with wildflowers
Position statement

Planning

We need a new planning approach that puts the natural environment first and foremost at the heart of development and planning. Read more.
Reedbeds with a view over the water to Glastonbury tor
Position statement

Flooding on the Somerset Levels: Winter 23/24

Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Response (March 2023) to the extreme and unusual amount of rainfall in Somerset over the winter period.
Position statement

Mineral Extraction

Quarrying for non-energy mineral/aggregate extraction can negatively impact wildlife. Read more.
Red-tailed bumblebee on bird's foot trefoil
Position statement

Wilding

Wilding as defined in Wilder Somerset 2030 “managing land in a way that mimics how nature works when left uninterrupted.” Read more.
Housing with wildflowers
Position Statement

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) position statement

For decades, building development has been a significant cause of nature loss. Read more.

Position Statements - People

The following statements outline our position in regard to people and community issues in Somerset.

Blue tit
Position Statement

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

We believe everyone is part of nature and should have the opportunity to experience, value and want to protect our natural world. Read more.
policy

Environmental Policy

Somerset Wildlife Trust is working towards becoming a net zero carbon organisation by 2030. Read more.

Archived position statements and policies