Priti Patel MP meets CEO of Essex Wildlife Trust for conservation discussions at Abberton Reservoir

The Witham MP, Priti Patel, has today (30th May) met with, Dr Andrew Impey, the Chief Executive Officer of Essex Wildlife Trust for an extensive discussion on the nature conservation activities being undertaken by the Trust and the Environment Bill currently going through Parliament. The two met at the Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, from where Priti was given a tour of the surrounding natural environment and spent some time in a hide overlooking the reservoir, from where she was able to observe bird life on the water.

Dr Impey and Priti discussed many of the wide-ranging issues specific to conservation and farming with the development of future Government policy in mind.

Commenting after her visit, Priti said: “I am very fortunate to have Abberton Reservoir and the home of Essex Wildlife Trust in my constituency. The Reservoir is one of Europe’s top wetland sites and has great international importance as a safe haven for wild ducks, swans and other water birds.

“The work of Essex Wildlife Trust to preserve and protect the natural world is first class. I am keen to support them and work to address many of the issues associated with nature and conservation which are simply not receiving attention through the legislative process in Westminster.  My thanks to Dr Impey and his team for the considerable time they spent with me discussing these issues and for the tour today.”

Dr Impey said: “Essex Wildlife Trust urges the Government to commit to an ambitious Environment Act that will deliver Defra’s bold 25-year plan. With sixty years’ experience of delivering wildlife conservation, we are very keen to play our part by working with politicians to collectively tackle complex environmental issues that not only benefit wildlife, but which have far reaching and fundamental benefits for families and communities throughout the county”.

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