Green Councillor Kevin Pressland is a passionate campaigner for nature and the natural environment. In the case of the old hoverport, it now contains primary plant species like birch and buddleia, sea buckthorn, prostrate sedums etc. So, this old hovercraft area is a prime example of such a novel site, home to multitudes of plant species, mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates. The whole thing makes a mockery of protection designations for nature and the report last week by the governments own ‘Office of Environment Protection’ slams the government on its poor record of nature protection and enhancement https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/13/wildlife-targets-missed-england-northern-ireland-watchdog. https://www.theoep.org.uk/news/actions-now-will-determine-whether-key-2030-environmental-targets-are-met-says-oep-report-eipEconomic interests should not be allowed to counter nature’s protection and enhancement which is in all our interests.

Source: The Guardian January 19, 2026 13:01 UTC