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David Dunlop

@lawt-d.bsky.social
276 followers 271 following 621 posts

Senior Conservation Officer for Policy & Advocacy at The Wildlife Trust for Lancs, Manc, & N Mers - retiring 31 October. Repost does not necessarily imply support. Views my own, except when quoting others', and are not necessarily the views of my employer.

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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
"Join our panel of climate, environment experts & activists for a hopeful & solutions-focused evening on how we can all work together to fight for the planet & our shared future." 20 October, 7.30pm-9.30pm (BST), Book tickets – in person or livestream" www.theguardian.com/guardian-liv...
theguardian.com
The Guardian’s climate forum 2026
Join our panel of climate, environment experts and activists for a hopeful and solutions-focused evening on how we can all work together to fight for the planet and our shared future.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
“..if we start messing with this undersea kingdom, either for hostile purposes or for selfish reasons, then we risk upsetting it, & it’s to the detriment of the maritime environment but also to the detriment of our modern life, because the balance is so delicate.” www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Inside the undersea kingdom: the secret, sinister battle to control what lies beneath the waves
Every day, trillions of dollars, oil and gas and 99% of the world’s web traffic move through undersea pipelines under no state’s protection. With superpowers and corporations now vying for control, sh...
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"File on 4 Investigates looks at whether the country is prepared for the growing threat, and if the emergency services have the resources to cope." www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
bbc.co.uk
File on 4 Investigates - Tinderbox Britain - Are we ready for more wildfires? - BBC Sounds
After a record breaking wildfire season, are we prepared for the growing threat?
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"A culturally conformist, milk-stealing, genetically promiscuous, accent-changing, rapidly evolving songbird that occasionally locates sleeping bats by sound, drags them from their hiding places and eats their brains." www.zmescience.com/ecology/anim...
zmescience.com
12 Unhinged Facts About Great Tits That Will Absolutely Shock You
Did we mention cities are changing great tits?
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Reposted by David Dunlop
Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
For #NationalPoetryDay we've commissioned 5 of Scotland's Young Makars to create new work on the theme of The Wonder of Nature. They collaborated on reading a new poem by Leah Sinforiana as well as reading a new individual piece of their own. #NPD26 www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/national-poe...
scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk
National Poetry Day 2026: Wonder
For National Poetry Day 2026 (Thursday 1 October), the Scottish Poetry Library has teamed up with Brand Scotland to bring you six short poetry films by contemporary writers, all of whom have been part...
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
A wee sliver of detail now: £53 million to plant up to 500 000 new trees on streets, in parks and across rural landscapes. £26 million for extant Local Nature Recovery Strategies across 48 responsible authorities - around £185,000 per authority per year. www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Local communities to receive £79 million to restore nature
Environment Secretary announces local communities to receive £79 million to restore nature and adapt to climate change
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
www.placenorthwest.co.uk/november-sta...
placenorthwest.co.uk
November start for Piccadilly Gardens revamp - Place North West
Main contractor Galliford Try is lined up to begin work on the Planit-led redesign of the Manchester public space, now that planning permission has been granted by the city council.
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Reposted by David Dunlop
ENDS Report @endsreport.com · 30/09/2026
And that’s a wrap! 🎉 Were Labour conference attendees feeling “hope again” – this year’s slogan? Has the new DEFRA secretary managed to drum up new confidence in the party’s green credentials? ECO Chamber podcast host @jamesxparsons.bsky.social shares his reflections ⬇️
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Guest blog – Wildlife Crime and the First Few Minutes by Paul Bateman markavery.info/2026/09/28/g...
markavery.info
Guest blog – Wildlife Crime and the First Few Minutes by Paul Bateman – Mark Avery
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"More than 40 mega-dairies exist across the UK, the largest housing 2,600 cows. Yet unlike intensive pig & poultry units, large dairy & beef farms are not subject to the same government monitoring, meaning their size & environmental impacts are left unchecked." www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/rise-me...
wildlifetrusts.org
Rise of 'mega-dairies' pushing nature to breaking point | The Wildlife Trusts
Tighter rules on intensive dairy farms and increased support for farmers to cut pollution, restore nature and build a more resilient sector are urgently needed, say The Wildlife Trusts
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"From Greater Manchester to north London, organisations and volunteers are transforming former industrial land and neglected parks into habitats for wildlife and places for people to enjoy." www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Nature spaces 'need to be right next to where people live'
Campaigners are pushing for more wildlife-rich green spaces to be created within urban communities.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
United Utilities seeks £1bn for network upgrades and growth projects www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/ne...
thebusinessdesk.com
United Utilities seeks £1bn for network upgrades and growth projects
Water company on track for £11.5bn investment
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"Five years after we found PFAS pouring into the River Wyre, we returned to find out whether the community had PFAS in their blood" watershedinvestigations.substack.com/p/five-years...
watershedinvestigations.substack.com
Five years after we found PFAS pouring into the River Wyre, we returned to find out whether the community had PFAS in their blood
We tested residents living near a chemicals plant in Lancashire. Their blood contained some of the highest levels of forever chemicals ever recorded in the UK
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
fishingnews.co.uk/news/strong-...
fishingnews.co.uk
Strong start to late Manx herring season - Fishing News
The Manx herring season is gaining momentum after a late start, with Isle of Man vessel Our Sarah Jane landing up to 15 tonnes a day as herring numbers increase on traditional fishing grounds.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/polling...
wildlifetrusts.org
Polling finds public ambition for nature is double that of Government | The Wildlife Trusts
New polling and evidence from The Wildlife Trusts demonstrates that the public grasp the importance of nature far more than politicians
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Is Andy Burnham a green prime minister? Why nature lobbyists think his true colours remain to be seen. www.endsreport.com/article/1970... via @endsreport.com
endsreport.com
Is Andy Burnham a green prime minister? Why nature lobbyists think his true colours remain to be seen
While some say the signs are positive, Burnham still faces several tests of his environmental leadership. After testing the waters at recent green industry events, James Fair reports.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"Leading the way in Greater Manchester – bringing people, nature, connectivity and growth together" naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/10/l... - a blog from @naturalengland.bsky.social (NW)
naturalengland.blog.gov.uk
Leading the way in Greater Manchester – bringing people, nature, connectivity and growth together
Lucy Abram, Deputy Director of the Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside Team CyanLines is a bold plan to link and transform Greater Manchester’s green and blue spaces - and it's jus...
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Reposted by David Dunlop
Countryside Jobs Service @countrysidejobs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Landmark report reveals green spaces save NHS £148m a year and shield UK cities from extreme heatwaves The UK is underinvesting in one of its most effective tools for tackling climate change, improving public health and supporting economic growth, according to a landmark report published today
c-js.uk
Landmark report reveals green spaces save NHS £148m a year and shield UK cities from extreme heatwaves
The UK is underinvesting in one of its most effective tools for tackling climate change, improving public health and supporting economic growth, according to a landmark report published today (24…
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
www.libdems.org.uk/conference/m...
libdems.org.uk
Britain's Wildfire Crisis
F33B - Policy motion. Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference, Brighton, 2026
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/jobs?mc_cid=...
cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Jobs
We are always looking for passionate people to join our team. If you have an interest in nature conservation, we would love to hear from you. Browse our current job opportunities.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Blood tests find high levels of cancer-causing forever chemical in residents near factory
People living near a major chemical factory in Lancashire are told they could be at risk of serious health conditions.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
www.forestryengland.uk/news/forestr...
forestryengland.uk
Forestry England asks public to help map out autumn
As autumn officially arrives, Forestry England is asking people across England to become “autumn spotters” and help track how the season unfolds across the nation's forests.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
UK Government’s 10% biodiversity net gain ‘ceiling’ for England could face legal challenge www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/gover...
newcivilengineer.com
Government’s 10% biodiversity net gain ‘ceiling’ could face legal challenge | New Civil Engineer
The Lifescape Project charity, which says it is “on a mission to catalyse the creation, restoration and protection of wild landscapes”, issued a formal
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
"Somerset’s farmers are on the front line of climate change" greenallianceblog.org.uk/2026/09/24/s...
greenallianceblog.org.uk
Somerset’s farmers are on the front line of climate change
This post is by Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerset, as part of our essay collection How to get Britain climate ready. Agricultural land makes up 66 per cent of the county …
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Tomorrow, 10:00 - 11:00; Join the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID) & Natural England for webinar introducing a practical resource to help local public health teams & systems use green infrastructure to improve health & wellbeing outcomes. events.teams.microsoft.com/event/75ac6a...
events.teams.microsoft.com
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
www.placenorthwest.co.uk/manchester-o...
placenorthwest.co.uk
Manchester on hunt for team to refresh Piccadilly vision on NPR opportunity - Place North West
The city council is looking for a consultancy team to update a masterplan that will underpin the transformation of 370 acres around the city’s main train station into a “world-class, highly productive...
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
“Vicki Hird @vickihird.bsky.social , strategic lead on agriculture at The Wildlife Trusts, said, “The government really needs to get the budget in order to ensure farmers have the funding they need for nature, food security & national security.” www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘Worse than the scramble for Oasis tickets’: England’s sustainable farming funds run out in just six hours
Entire £253m budget for 2026 allocated in less than a day, leaving thousands of farmers disappointed
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Now in its eighth year, we're conducting our hedgehog sightings survey again this autumn, and we want to gather as much information as we can about hedgehogs in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. www.lancswt.org.uk/hedgehog-hot...
lancswt.org.uk
Hedgehog Hotspots | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside
Tell us about your hedgehog sightings in Lancashire, Manchester and Merseyside, and help us understand how these precious creatures are faring in our region.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"The government must take more responsibility for climate adaptation" "...our system of government still treats these issues largely in isolation, and the department given responsibility to deal with it has neither the authority nor the budget to do so." greenallianceblog.org.uk/2026/09/22/t...
greenallianceblog.org.uk
The government must take more responsibility for climate adaptation
This post is by Adrian Ramsay, Green MP for Waveney Valley, as part of our essay collection How to get Britain climate ready. Without action from the top of government, adaptation to our changing c…
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
rskbiocensus.com/insights/a-l...
rskbiocensus.com
A Love Letter to Logic - Biocensus Insights
Alexa takes us on a short journey of where nature protections began, where we are now, and where we could be in the near future.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Changes in UK birds are showing us why we urgently need more climate action "Seabirds and upland birds are the most vulnerable" greenallianceblog.org.uk/2026/09/21/c...
greenallianceblog.org.uk
Changes in UK birds are showing us why we urgently need more climate action
This post is by Bethany Chamberlain, senior policy officer – climate change adaptation, at the RSPB. It is no longer possible to ignore climate change in the UK as the impacts are here and now. Rec…
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
consultations.defra.gov.uk/call-for-evi...
consultations.defra.gov.uk
Call for Evidence on Gamebird Release, Shooting and Welfare during Rearing in England
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking evidence on the environmental and animal health and welfare impacts of gamebird rea...
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Written Question, on nature recovery, for the Environment Secretary from Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster & Wyre on 17th September 2026 @catsmithmp.bsky.social www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=20... Answered by @jenny4suffcoast.bsky.social, Minister for nature-on-land. Hopefully it also applies at sea!
theyworkforyou.com
Nature Conservation
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at 17 September 2026
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
www.wildlifetrusts.org/blog/eleanor...
wildlifetrusts.org
Super El Niño: an explainer | The Wildlife Trusts
We explain what Super El Niño is, what the impacts are and how it interacts with climate change.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
England's @envagency.bsky.social "has joined forces with Hello Lamp Post (www.hlp.city/en-gb/sector...) as part of the Supporting Citizen Science project, to pilot this novel approach for collecting and sharing data and information." engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/blueprintand...
hlp.city
Hello Lamp Post — Hello Environment
Use AI Digital Team Members to improve environmental engagement, provide local information and gather community insights.
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Reposted by David Dunlop
Guy Shrubsole @guyshrubsole.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Great to see the Wildlife Trusts call to “Make access to major rivers, especially those in urban areas, a statutory right.” Of course, to actually *get to* those rivers, we’d also need a right of responsible access to land, too… @righttoroam.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Access-to-nature crisis ‘on par with that of Victorian Britain’s filthy air’
Research finds many in England lack proximity to green and blue spaces as Labour urged to speed up manifesto pledge
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/governm...
wildlifetrusts.org
Government inaction on access to nature risks public health, warns The Wildlife Trusts | The Wildlife Trusts
Nearly half parliamentary constituencies have limited access to nature, despite climate extremes increasing need for cool, shady and nature-rich spaces
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"Celtic Sea cod and Irish Sea plaice stocks have been impacted the most, declining by 98% and 88% respectively since 2016." - @bluemarinef.bsky.social oceanographicmagazine.com/news/ministe...
oceanographicmagazine.com
Ministers accused of 'choosing' to run down Britain's fish stocks - Oceanographic
More than 40% of UK fish stocks have declined in the decade, with a new report claiming most catch quotas are set above scientific advice
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Reposted by David Dunlop
Brian Groom @groomb.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Lost oyster beds rediscovered thanks to Gaelic and Scots language. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Lost oyster beds rediscovered thanks to Gaelic and Scots language
Scientists searched for the inclusion of the Gaelic and Scots words for oyster or oysters in place-names around Scotland's coast.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
UK approves Morgan, Morecambe transmission assets: Irish Sea hook-up due to go online from 2029 www.renews.biz/offshore-win...
renews.biz
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Reposted by David Dunlop
House of Commons Committees @hoccommittees.parliament.uk · 15/09/2026
How can committees contribute to improved levels of public trust in democracy? The Liaison Committee is carrying out an inquiry examining what the purpose of select committees is and if they should do more. Submit evidence to the inquiry: committees.parliament.uk/committee/10...
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Reposted by David Dunlop
Labour Climate and Environment Forum @lcefuk.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🌿 The Nature of Security: What Does Nature Loss Mean for the UK? Join LCEF and Chatham House for a discussion on the implications of both global and domestic biodiversity loss on the UK's security and resilience. 📅 Date: Sunday 27th September 2026 ⏰ Time: 12:00 – 13:00 📍 Location: LCEF Hub
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"We need more collaboration to manage flood risk" greenallianceblog.org.uk/2026/09/14/w... - via @green-alliance.org.uk
greenallianceblog.org.uk
We need more collaboration to manage flood risk
This post is by Rebecca Pow, former environment minister and former Conservative MP for Taunton Deane, as part of our essay collection How to get Britain climate ready.  Having grown up in Somerset…
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/2649502...
wharfedaleobserver.co.uk
Record numbers of young salmon raise hopes for Ribble recovery
YOUNG salmon are showing signs of recovery in the Ribble catchment after years of decline.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Fires still burn in charred landscape as focus turns to wildfire prevention
The RSPB is considering measures it can take to improve resilience in the wake of a five-week long fire in the Cairngorms.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
www.wildlifetrusts.org/blog/matt-br...
wildlifetrusts.org
The PM’s lucky heron: How nature recovery can make English devolution a success | The Wildlife Trusts
Head of Public Affairs Matt Browne highlights bold ideas to enable councils to improve more lives through more nature.
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
We should empower farmers to build more ponds
The government can pull a simple lever to help farmers combat the effects of extreme heat.
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Reposted by David Dunlop
Labour Climate and Environment Forum @lcefuk.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
If we are serious about building 1.5 million safe, resilient homes across the UK, land management and ecological expertise must be integrated into planning from day one. Read the full breakdown on how we can harness the land itself to prevent fires before they start. lcef.co.uk/blog/wildfir...
one.read
https://one.Read
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
www.justgiving.com/team/rspbdov...
justgiving.com
Team fundraising for RSPB Dove Stone
Help Esme France raise money to support RSPB
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David Dunlop @lawt-d.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Fylde Council, Lancashire has submitted further comments to the Secretary of State as part of the Development Consent Order (DCO) examination process for the proposed Morgan & Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms' onshore transmission assets Read more: ow.ly/3MCT50ZClm0
ow.ly
Fylde Council Submits Comments to Offshore Wind Transmission DCO Process – Fylde Council
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