No New M4! Join the Senedd demo

Gwent Wildlife Trust supports rally to save protected sites

Supporters of the 'No New M4 Campaign' will stage a rally on the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, between 12 noon and 1 pm, on Tuesday, September 23.

The rally is being organised by CALM which is an alliance of organisations and individuals who oppose the construction of a new M4 motorway, in favour of tackling the root causes of traffic congestion and encouraging a more sustainable approach.

Campaigners will urge the Welsh Assembly Government to seek innovative and sustainable solutions to transport problems and to ditch damaging proposals for a new motorway.

Current proposals would slice through special wildlife-rich sites, leaving many habitats fragmented and species' isolated, and would undoubtedly increase carbon emissions by encouraging more car use.

Julian Branscombe, Chief Executive of Gwent Wildlife Trust and Chair of CALM, said:

'A new M4 across the precious Gwent Levels would be a major step backwards in terms of protecting sites for wildlife. The Welsh Assembly Government has already highlighted fragmentation of SSSIs as a major threat to biodiversity in Wales – the effect of this Levels motorway on Wales’ most important area for grazing marsh wildlife would be catastrophic.'

Tim Stowe, Director of RSPB Cymru and member of the CALM coalition, said:

'The Assembly Government has an opportunity here to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and to tackling climate change. Building your way out of traffic congestion is not the answer and flies in the face of all of the efforts to encourage more people out of their cars and poses a major threat for our protected sites and the wildlife that relies upon them'.

Join CALM at the Senedd building on Tuesday to show your support and voice your concerns about climate change. For more information, and to support the CALM campaign visit www.savethelevels.org.uk