In this episode of the BV Podcast, hosts Terry Bennett and Jenny Devitt explore major issues affecting Dorset—from political debates on farming and planning reform to the hidden conservation potential of churchyards. Edward Morello: From Renewable Energy to Westminster Terry sits down for an in-depth interview with Edward Morello, West Dorset’s first non-Conservative MP. He reflects on his journey into politics, the steep learning curve of Westminster, and his work on the Foreign Affairs and National Security Strategy Committees. He also shares his stance on key local and national issues:✅ Inheritance Tax for Farmers – Why he believes the recent changes are unfair and must be reworked.✅ Planning Reform – The need to prioritize affordable homes while protecting Dorset’s landscape.✅ Local Government & Devolution – The risks of centralizing power and how Dorset’s councils are under strain.✅ Renewable Energy – Why the outdated electricity grid is holding back green energy projects. "Farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. If we don’t fix this tax policy, we’re jeopardizing the future of family farms." – Edward Morello Are Solar Farms the Future? With Dorset seeing more large-scale solar farm proposals, Morello argues that poor infrastructure forces developers to build on farmland rather than utilizing better locations. He suggests investment in the UK’s energy grid would allow cleaner, more strategic renewables without sacrificing prime agricultural land. "We need renewable energy—but farmland should be for food, not solar panels." – Edward Morello Living Churchyards: Weeds or Wildlife Havens? Are churchyards becoming overgrown, or are they vital spaces for biodiversity? Rachel Rowe investigates the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Living Churchyard Project, which helps communities balance conservation and maintenance. Volunteer Anna Aubrey explains how simple strategies—like varied grass lengths, composting, and bird boxes—can turn graveyards into thriving wildlife corridors. "Churchyards hold centuries of history, but they’re also a hidden haven for nature—we need to manage them with both in mind." – Anna Aubrey, Dorset Wildlife Trust