How do we find enough space for everything and everybody?
The massive Lime Down Solar Park, on the rural Wiltshire side of the South Cotswolds, is putting pressure on the resource we can’t create more of – our land.
I feel a profound connection to our land. The decisions we take about its use today will shape the world we leave for the children and grandchildren of tomorrow. We owe it to them to make these decisions wisely.
Building new homes here may lead to flooding there. Installing solar farms may cost us precious grazing land. Housing developments may affect wildlife. These are not easy choices.
Last week I met with Dame Fiona Reynolds, formerly Director of the Council for the Protection of Rural England and Director-General of the National Trust. Her approach is to look for multiple uses of the same land to meet different, complementary needs.
For example, agroforestry is a technique that intersperses fruit and nut trees with crops or livestock to boost biodiversity and improve soil health. Living roofs and walls can transform our built-up areas into greener environments, providing homes for wildlife, reducing stormwater runoff, and improving insulation. Car parks can be roofed with solar panels, providing shade for cars while generating electricity for EV charging points and nearby shops and homes.
By thinking creatively, we can get more value from our land while minimising the scale of our human impact on our precious natural world.
Our Cotswolds countryside is a treasure. Preserving its beauty is as vital as reducing carbon emissions and supporting wildlife. Our rolling hills, lush green fields, and vibrant ecosystems are a part of our heritage, and we owe it to ourselves and future generations to protect them.
As we navigate these challenges, I am committed to working with others to find solutions that honour our past, meet our present needs, and safeguard our future. Together, we can make choices that ensure our land remains a source of pride and joy for all of us.
ANNOUNCEMENT: I’m delighted to be taking part in the Sustain Britain conference near Royal Wootton Bassett on Friday 13th September – an informative day filled with inspiring talks, interactive breakout discussions, and networking opportunities. This FREE event is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about sustainability and making a positive impact on Britain’s future. This is your opportunity to discover how Wiltshire is playing its part in bringing about a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Reserve your spot now!
A few of the things I’ve done this week…
✅ We had our first informal Lib Dem social, in 
Oaksey (pictured right) – with thanks to Oaksey Golf Course for hosting. We will be having regular events around the constituency – I hope to see you soon at an event near you!
✅ Toured Poulton Fields Farm with Charles and Ed Horton to find out more about their award-winning regenerative farming
✅ Visited Lea and Garsdon Primary School to meet with school governors (pictured left)
✅ Took a look at the site of the proposed gravel extraction site in Ashton Keynes, and agree that this is not a suitable development
✅ Met the team at Early Years Direct, a fantastic small business based at Watermoor Point in Cirencester
✅ Met the Cricklade Town Councillors to introduce myself and answer questions. If you would like me to visit your town or parish council meeting, please invite me!
✅ Enjoyed the fabulous Blackbirds at Music in the Cloisters, part of this year’s Malmesbury Carnival – and looking forward to being back in Malmesbury this weekend for the Carnival Parade (photo with Gavin and Liz, the former Mayor and Mayoress of Malmesbury)
✅ Dropped in at the Phoenix Festival in Cirencester to draw the winning tombola tickets – and thanks to everyone who chipped in to raise an amazing £6,000! (photo backstage at Phoenix with Mylan, Melanie, and Cllr Mark Harris)
✅ Moved into our offices in both Westminster and in the constituency, and welcomed my parliamentary assistant, Isaac Tucker, to the team. Welcome, Isaac, delighted to have you aboard Crew South Cotswolds! 🎉
Quote of the Week
“Every man holds his property subject to the general right of the community to regulate its use to whatever degree the public welfare may require it.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
Have a great week!