Open Letter to Ely
Open Letter to Ely and District Residents / Friends of Roswell Pits
26th June 2007
Roswell Pits
Sunday (24th June 2007) saw the return to our screens of Sir David Attenborough, an icon of Natural History Broadcasting. His new series ‘Saving Planet Earth’ is a timely reminder for Ely, and the wider world, that action on a local level is required to prevent the total loss of wildlife and habitat caused by human activity. The ‘think global, act local’ message is one that has more weight and importance behind it today, than ever before. I would guess that everyone reading this letter has at some time or other, sat in front of ‘the box’ to watch Mr Attenborough, peering into the undergrowth and in ‘in hushed tones’ educating us about the natural world. If he were lucky enough to visit us here in Ely, we would no doubt hear him wax lyrical about the Bittern, Marsh Harrier, and any number of wonderful species we are blessed to have locally.
We are inextricably linked to the natural world, but there are however, key differentiators that set us apart from the other species we share our world with. As humans we have the intelligence, compassion, foresight and ability to make decisions that affect the whole of the planet. This incumbent responsibility and privilege, is one we must shoulder and not shy away from. In a growing population, with increasing demands for space, we cannot fight and win every battle, but we should be prepared to raise a voice for the natural world where it is unable to defend itself, and where it is most threatened. Here and now, Roswell Pits and its flora and fauna, need your voice to protect it. If we only ever join one campaign or make one commitment to saving the planet, then we should at least do it locally, at home, where we can see and feel the tangible benefits. – The effects of our actions locally, do affect the global community. A victory for Ely’s wildlife is a victory for the wider world; similarly, a white Rhino saved in Africa by local ‘on the ground’ action is a victory for all of us; even if we never get to see it, the world is a richer place for its existence, and a poorer place for its loss.
Looking locally at an internet census report for Ely dated 2006, Ely’s total number of residents above the age of 18, was listed as some 55,453 people. I am not sure how accurate this information is, but if we work on the assumption that the numbers quoted are correct, we could all potentially save Roswell Pits from the developers by simply contributing £10.00 each to a purchase fund. Is that too much to ask to save a unique green space in the heart of Ely? I am sure some people perhaps do not care, or even mind about the proposed developments, but I am also sure that many do, and I am sure that the wildlife will suffer as a result if we do not act. Born in Cambridge and a resident of Ely for six years, I think that £10.00 of my money against the enjoyment I have already had from watching the local wildlife is value for money, and I would gladly pay that ten times more to help secure its future.
Public ownership of Ely’s Roswell Pits could be the start of a commitment to protect and enjoy Ely’s wild spaces so that both Wildlife and humans can share and enjoy the same spaces. So, if you in principal would be prepared to support such a community project, please simply write on your protest vote slip any amount that you would be able to pledge to this cause. – Do not send any money; it is not required at this stage. Post your protest vote and pledge (no money please) back to the address provided. See Poster below for Protest and pledge details.
Come on Ely, this is your opportunity to make a difference.
