Leading Independent councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council are calling on the local authority to remain committed to its environmental and ecological pledges.

Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John) chairs the council's Climate Emergency and Sustainability Panel and has been leading a cross-party group that's raised concerns about the loss of habitat and species extinction across B&NES.

She said: "Due to the lockdowns of the last 15 months, our natural environment has had a chance to rest. Pollution levels were at an all-time-low last year, wildlife was flourishing and many of us had the chance to appreciate the beautiful Somerset countryside a bit more.

"When lockdown restrictions are completely lifted though, our local ecological habitat faces all the previous challenges that it did before."

Independent Councillors are calling on the Council leadership to adhere to the Ecological Emergency Commitment that was declared last year, and not to allow large planning developments to ruin or scupper local habitats.

Former Council Chair and veteran local Councillor Sarah Bevan (Independent, Peasedown St John) added: "As a community we need to be doing more to address species extinction, loss of habitat, plus soil quality and quantity.

"Appropriate areas for habitat restoration within Bath & North East Somerset also need to be identified, along with more space for tree planting and more education in schools about ecology, biodiversity and the importance of looking after our natural habitat."

Karen and Sarah have been working with community groups in Peasedown St John to ensure that the village is playing its part:

Following a request from the Peasedown Environment Group, they arranged for 'Let's Get Buzzing' signs to be erected in Orchard Way. These show grass cutters that certain areas should be left for bees to roam.

They have also been working with the Peasedown Community Trust on the village's biggest ever Environment Survey and plans to plant over 500 trees locally this year.

"Taking action now helps to protect our natural environment, wildlife and habitat for many generations to come," added Cllr Walker.