February 19, 2013
England

Plea to save barn owls e-petition

Plea to save barn owls e-petition is no hoot | 19 February 2013 | www.spaldingtoday.co.uk

Campaigners are seeking the Government’s help to protect barn owls in the Crowland area that could be threatened if plans for an energy park are approved.

Last month a petition was launched nationwide to raise awareness of an important 20-year study of the owls that could be at risk if 900 acres of grade one arable land is lost to plans for solar panels and wind turbines.

Already it has gathered more than 750 signatures but, with time running out before plans go before Peterborough City Council, a new e-petition has been launched.

Concern for barn owls and other wildlife on Newborough Farm, America Farm and Morris Fen has been part of the argument lodged by protestors, who fear the natural habitat will be destroyed as well as tenant farmers losing their livelihoods.

Jackie Dugdale, vice-chairman of the Newborough Land Protection group, said: “If we can get 100,000 supporters we can get the Government to discuss the plan in the House of Commons.

“If the energy park plan goes ahead no-one really knows what the impact will be.

“This is such an important study that has cost taxpayers thousands of pounds and it would be awful to lose this research.”

The group is still hoping to get 1,000 signatures on its original petition. Mrs Dugdale said: “Then we can hand them to our MP to be taken to number 10.

“The e-petition will allow us a much bigger reach.

“Saving the barn owls is not only important to us, but nationwide there are other groups campaigning for the same thing.”

To sign the petition, visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/45692


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/02/19/plea-to-save-barn-owls-e-petition-is-no-hoot/