‘Food is more important than energy!’ South Holland District Council leader backs motion to make the Fens a protected area

“Food is more important than energy!” That is the message from a council leader who is backing calls to make the Fens a protected area.

Coun Laura Eldridge put forward the motion, which will be discussed by South Holland District Council tomorrow (Wednesday) arguing the area shouldn’t be losing its rich agricultural land and jobs to giant solar farm projects, leaving us ‘held hostage’ by food imported from abroad.

And she has received a firm backing from SHDC leader Nick Worth, who believes the country should be desperate to maintain its food producing industry.

“With all the solar farms, pylons, wind farms likely to come on, you could completely destroy that landscape,” Coun Worth said.

“It’s flat for a reason and the whole area is the best agricultural land in the country and we don’t want to be taking that away. There needs to be a recognition.

“At the end of the day we should be more self sufficient, not importing as much as we do.

“It’s very much about valuing the Fenland landscape, probably the biggest food producing area in the country, and the quality of the soil.”

The Government has pledges to make the UK a clean energy superpower, but Coun Worth believes that should not be at the expense of the area’s industry.

“This is where we come into direct contradiction with the Labour Government,” he continued.

“They’re saying energy is more important than food and we’re saying no it’s not. Food is more important than energy,

“You can all keep warm if you have to, but if you don’t have anything to eat then you’re in trouble.”

Coun Worth also believes that protecting the Fens - although a direct contrast to the rolling hills of Lincolnshire Wolds - would also be a welcome nudge to the area’s unique landscape.

“If you have areas of outstanding natural beauty like you get in East Lindsey, why shouldn’t you have a protected area for the Fens?,” he asked.

“The landscape is unusual and has a lot of history around it as well.

“It’s a fantastic landscape. It’s lovely to see hills, mountains and the rest of it but this is a unique landscape in its own right.

“I think it’s a great idea to have it designated a special area. Its important for the future that we keep that.”