Yahoo News Chris Packham says people need to 'get a grip' over Weymouth beach seaweed
The star said people should be more tolerant of nature
Chris Packham has said people need to “get a grip” following reports that a big “seaweed barrier” has put some off going to Weymouth beach.
A large amount of the seaweed has washed up on the beach, leading some people to complain.
But the local council is not removing it because of its role in the ecosystem.
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Speaking on Radio 4, naturalist and TV presenter Packham said people need to be more tolerant of nature.
“Ecologically it's incredibly important,” he explained.
“Locally, in this area, it’s an important fish breeding ground, it protects young fish whilst they are maturing… it is fundamental to the marine ecological food chains.
“What we’ve got here is a temporary blip, some unseasonal winds have blown some dislodged marine algae onto the beach and frankly when you think of the crisis that we are in in terms of the environment and our biodiversity, we ought to be focusing on the bigger issues.”
The star went on: “When people turn up in Weymouth complaining about a small marine algae slick I ask them to turn their eyes to Canada which is on fire and covering most of the United States with noxious fumes.
“So you know, let's get a grip and tolerate nature.”
The Springwatch presenter said people love nature in the UK when it’s not an inconvenience to them but that “the minute they are slipping over a few fronds of algae everyone’s up in arms”.
Many listeners agreed, with some taking to Twitter to say how pleased they were to hear what Packham said.
“Thank God for Chris Packham,” posted one, while another said the TV star was “terrific”.
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“We need more people like Chris Packham,” said somebody else.
“He's totally right, Brits only love nature when it's not an inconvenience to their lifestyles.”
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