24 June 2025
Ashington Town Council is proud to celebrate one of our own making waves on the world stage – literally at the bottom of it.
Dr Nina Purvis, daughter of Town Council Chair Cllr Mark Purvis, is currently living and working in one of the most extreme environments on Earth as the European Space Agency’s selected medical doctor at Concordia Station in Antarctica – a place so remote and challenging it’s nicknamed “White Mars.”
Insect populations in the UK have suffered drastic declines, with far-reaching consequences for both wildlife and human well-being. As pollinators of one-third of our food crops and a critical component of food webs, the continued loss of insects poses a grave threat to biodiversity, ecosystem health, and ultimately our ability to address climate change effectively.
Recent reports indicate that 41% of the Earth's remaining five million insect species are now threatened with extinction, with the UK experiencing losses of 50% or more since 1970. This alarming trend is exacerbated by habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental pressures, many of which are linked to climate change.
Ashington Town Council has a unique opportunity to take immediate action to support insect populations and promote biodiversity. This report proposes a comprehensive set of measures, including:
1. Making a public commitment to help insects and other wildlife thrive.
2. Signing up to The Wildlife Trust's 'Take Action for Insects' initiative.
3. Embedding considerations for insect recovery into all maintenance and environmental decisions.
4. Creating and restoring insect-friendly habitats on council-managed lands.
5. Investigating and reducing pesticide use on allotment sites and in grounds maintenance.
6. Promoting public awareness and engagement through citizen science initiatives and educational campaigns.
To view the full Emergency Action for Insects Motion click here
24 June 2025
Ashington Town Council is proud to celebrate one of our own making waves on the world stage – literally at the bottom of it.
Dr Nina Purvis, daughter of Town Council Chair Cllr Mark Purvis, is currently living and working in one of the most extreme environments on Earth as the European Space Agency’s selected medical doctor at Concordia Station in Antarctica – a place so remote and challenging it’s nicknamed “White Mars.”
