October update from the Climate Change Cabinet Member

Hello everyone, there is plenty going on as usual!

I am so proud to announce Mole Valley District Council (MVDC has Declared an Ecology Emergency.

Ecology is the study of organisms and their environment, from microorganisms to humans, to the planet Earth. We need to consider not only the organisms, but how organisms interact with each other and their specific habitat requirements.

As the Climate Change Cabinet Member, I was so pleased to lead the Liberal Democrat Administration's Motion in the Chamber, working cross party to Declare an Ecology Emergency. On Tuesday 11th October this was passed unanimously. MVDC is one of only 15% of councils to do this and is proud to spearhead this initiative.

The UK is one of the world's most nature-depleted countries. New data shows that we are in the bottom 10% globally and last among the G7 group of nations. We only have about 50% of our biodiversity left! (The global average is 75%). Now MVDC will be doing what we can to address this on the land we manage.

Are you concerned about fossil fuel extraction in Mole Valley?

MVDC agreed a motion to request Surrey County Council to disallow new or renew any fossil fuel applications in Mole Valley in October 2021.

Please sign our petition to stop fossil fuel extraction in Mole Valley.

Rewild Schools

Great work is being done. MVDC will be working with Surrey Wildlife Trust to contact all local schools - including eco-schools - and provide 'Rewild Mole Valley' resource packs to help inspire them to engage more with nature, by dedicating land to re-wilding schemes. Teachers and pupils will find lots of information including about becoming an eco-school. Schools can also request a pack by emailing sustainability@molevalley.gov.uk

Perhaps A Designated Bathing Area - Stepping Stones

During the summer I posted on Facebook warning that the Mole River was not clean enough to swim in, children and animals were getting sick, but many residents didn't know why. It is, of course, because sewage is released into it regularly, which the Liberal Democrats are campaigning against.

This month I have been meeting up and talking with local volunteers, stakeholders and the council to start getting the Stepping Stones Designated as A Bathing Area. It's not deep there, but children and pets do play and paddle in this famous beauty spot. If we can get this part clean it will clean up downstream. It will be a long winded and complicated process, but if you don't ask you don't get. Tests will be taken throughout May - September. There are many other criteria, including parking and toilet facilities.

Fingers crossed we can persuade all those involved to get on side.

Brockham Oil field

I know the people of Brockham are worried about the Brockham Oil field and what damage pumping NORMS (normal occurring radioactive water) can do to our environment, perhaps causing earthquakes and contaminating the water and soil. I support their concern now that Angus want to bring in water more from other sites.

The Environment Agency has opened a consultation about the application to pump normal occurring radioactive water from sites outside Mole Valley. Please take the time to fill this in.

Personally, as The Climate Change Cabinet Member for Mole Valley, I have emailed the addresses on the EA news release. I have taken it one step further and have emailed James Bevan, the Chief Executive, as well on james.bevan@environment-agency.gov.uk.

For further information, please email rsr.rotherham2.ne@environment-agency.gov.uk

Very best wishes to you all, Claire Malcomson