European Conservation Year (Hansard, 24 March 1970)

§ Mr. Crosland

A large number of Government bodies are making contributions towards the success of European Conservation Year. The following is the informationA selection of contributions by Government bodies in England to European Conservation Year (E.C.Y.). (a) Exhibitions 1. National Environment Research Council. A mobile exhibition will tour the country 375W explaining the Council's rôle, with special reference to European Conservation Year. 2. Nature Conservancy: Contributions are being made to a large number of exhibitions such as the following: Impact 70—nature conservation and leisure pursuits"; Man and Natures" photographic exhibition, Wildlife photographic exhibition. 3. Institute of Geological Sciences (and Nature Conservancy): Mineral Extraction and the Countryside Exhibition and lectures. 4. Government Departments and organisations, such as Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Ministry of Transport, Countryside Commission, Forestry Commission, Nature Conservancy etc. will stage exhibits and displays illustrating E.C.Y. themes at agricultural shows, research centre open days and other appropriate occasions. (b) Competitions 1. The Duke of Edinburgh's Countryside awards. The Countryside Commission are contributing a grant of £1,000 for these awards. 2. Conservation 1970 Competition. This competition sponsored by the Nature Conservancy and Shell is designed to stimulate interest in environmental studies in schools. 3. Wildlife photographic competition. The Nature Conservancy is a joint sponsor of this competition. (c) Conferences 1. Among the many conferences to which the Nature Conservancy are contributing are the following:— British Ecological Society's international symposium, University of East Anglia, Norwich. Conference on "Environmental Research" arranged in conjunction with the University of Wales, Cardiff. "Man and his Environment" at Attingham Park. 2. The "Countryside in 1970" summing-up conference. The Countryside Commission are making available a £2,500 grant towards the costs of this conference. 3. Conferences on the theme "Agriculture and the Environment" sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. 4. "Farm Buildings in the Landscape", sponsored by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Countryside Commission, the Welsh Office and the Council of Industrial Design. (d) Publications 1. Countryside Commission: leaflets, a poster and a Calendar of Events for E.C.Y. 2. The Nature Conservancy have assisted in the preparation of a bibliography "Man and Environment, annotated list 1970" and a new version of "Visiting National Nature Reserves" has been prepared. 376W (e) Other activities supported by Government bodies There are numerous other activities (many of which are described in the Calendar of Events). They include: Forestry Commission: Creation of new forest trails, camping sites, picnic sites, wildlife centres, nature reserves, etc. Countryside Commission: The Commission will contribute to expenditure incurred by National Park Authorities on displays in connection with E.C.Y. The Commission have published a leaflet publicising their E.C.Y. rights of way survey for schools. Nature Conservancy: Staff are assisting in the European Youth Leaders Training Course. Open days at Conservancy stations and nature reserves will feature E.C.Y. themes. Post Office: The Countryside Commission has arranged with the Post Office for the cancellation franking of mail with suitable slogans to coincide with two E.C.Y. conferences.