Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2014/January 2015 | Page 67

COUNTRY LIFE those happening in early 2015. Before the sites are put forward, the Government wants to assess the levels of public support for all of the recommended MCZs. The Wildlife Trusts are urging the public to express their support by signing up to become a ‘friend’ of Marine Conservation Zones. When signing up you can opt to ‘befriend’ one or all of 37 proposed areas, similar to becoming friends of local parks, historic buildings and community projects. All ‘friends’ will receive regular updates on the campaign from The Wildlife Trusts, with opportunities to get involved and ways to help, such as writing to local MPs and the Prime Minister to press the need for protection and, ultimately, to respond to the public consultation, expected in early 2015. Tim Ferrero, Head of Marine Conservation at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “We have campaigned for over 10 years for better protection of our local marine wildlife and yet there is still no guarantee that the zones will be allocated where we want them. “We want as many people as possible to sign up to become a ‘friend’ of MCZs. This won’t cost anything but it will mean that you will be kept up to date with the latest information and progress of the campaign. It will also provide information to people who are more sceptical about the idea of protected zones fearing that they will mean ‘banning everything’. This is not the case and sustainable activities will continue in the zones.” The Trust is hoping to inspire people to stand up for the wildlife which lives, feeds and finds sanctuary in the many different habitats in UK waters. These remain at risk until more areas offering effective protection are established. To find out more about your local recommended Marine Conservation Zone, and sign up to be a Friend, visit www. wildlifetrusts.org/MCZfriends. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, working for a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP The six marine sites going forward as candidates of Marine Consevation Z ones Photo: Pipefish by Keith Broomfield Diary Dates Saturday December 13 2014: Wildlife Watch. Wildlife Watch events are for families and young people who want to get out and about and more involved with nature. The activities are based mostly outdoors, in natural surroundings. Please make sure you come prepared with a vFW'&