Spring is in the air and nowhere more so than in the countryside cared for by the National Trust. Europe’s biggest conservation charity is the guardian of more than 250,000 hectares of British landscape, and more than 780 miles of coast, making it accessible for all of us.
Thanks to this precious resource, we are able to enjoy some of the most spectacular species on Earth, from puffins to orcas, to bees, beavers, butterflies and ancient oak trees. But nature is under threat throughout our isles.
In the last 50 years, 38 million birds have vanished from UK skies; 97 per cent of our wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s; and a quarter of all our mammals, including water voles and greater mouse-eared bats, face the risk of extinction.
Governments around the world last December made a series of commitments following reports that we have just seven years left to halt and reverse the loss of our natural world.
That is why the National Trust has joined forces with the RSPB and WWF in a unique campaign to urge everyone in society to come together to halt the destruction of UK nature and take action to Save Our Wild Isles.
The charities’ CEOs warn: “The amazing wildlife and wild places that make the UK so special are being destroyed at terrifying speed.
“Huge numbers of animals, birds and habitats have been quite literally wiped out in our own lifetimes and we must now accept that without urgent and collective action, our economy, the climate and the stability of future generations living in our wild isles all face a ticking time-bomb.”
In a special message to readers, Hilary McGrady, Director-General National Trust, Beccy Speight, Chief Executive of the RSPB and Tanya Steele, CEO of WWF (UK) said: “Many readers will have seen Sir David Attenborough warn that nature here in the UK is in crisis in his recent TV series Wild Isles. Many of our best-loved species from butterflies, kingfishers and hares to delicate wildflowers like fritillaries and our ancient oaks have been put under immense pressure over the past two centuries due to industrialisation, consumerism and urbanisation.
“Our natural world has been pushed to the brink. This is a concern for everyone because a healthy, natural world underpins everything we do, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. By letting it decline, we risk not just our natural heritage but our economy and the prosperity of future generations. We know the public cares deeply about nature – our recent YouGov polling showed three quarters of UK adults (76 per cent) are worried about the state of nature in this country. But only five per cent are aware of just how much damage we have inflicted on our natural environment. It is shocking that the UK is in the bottom 10 per cent of countries globally for protecting nature.
“The natural world urgently needs our help. Responsibility for this lies with us all. Now is the time for everyone, in every corner of our four great countries to act.
“The recent complementary documentary to the BBC Wild Isles series, Saving Our Wild Isles (available now on BBC iPlayer ), highlights how amazing people all round the UK are starting to do great work to protect and help nature.
“This includes farmers still producing great food but in a way that is sustainable and allows space for nature, along with community groups committed to creating wilder oases in our towns and cities. The documentary also shows volunteers planting thousands of native trees throughout the wilds of Scotland to help recreate our lost highland forests which will act as homes for nature as well as helping tackle climate change by locking up carbon.
“Since the launch of the campaign, we’ve been asking everyone to Go Wild Once A Week: planting wildflowers in a window box to attract pollinators, getting together with neighbours to plant a community orchard, or simply travelling more sustainably to cut harmful emissions. We’ve heard amazing stories from individuals about how inspired they feel to go out and make a difference.
“You can also add your voice to the People’s Plan for Nature – a set of recommendations from 100 people representing all parts and communities of the UK – calling for a fundamental change in how we value nature which will help reverse the shocking declines and bring nature back to these wild isles.
“We need all parts of society to play their part: individuals, businesses and politicians and leaders. Combined, we can make a huge difference for nature, and for future generations.
“Tens of thousands of people have already committed to go wild for nature once a week, millions have tuned in to the Wild Isles series every Sunday. We have also launched our People’s Plan For Nature.
“Now you can make a huge difference in reversing nature’s decline and saving our wild isles. Please act now.”
I’m hopeful for the future, but now is the time for action
Sir David Attenborough, WWF Ambassador and broadcaster, says: “In my lifetime, wildlife in Britain and Ireland has seen devastating declines.
“Nature underpins everything that makes our lives possible. If we are to save what we have left we must act now. Whether you are an individual, a community, a business leader or a politician, this starts and ends with us.”
He continues: “The truth is, every one of us, no matter who we are, or where we live, can and must play a part in restoring nature. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless by the scale of the issues facing our planet, but we have the solutions. I am hopeful for the future, because although nature is in crisis, now is the time for action, and together we can save it.
“Because this is our home, it can only be our responsibility to protect and restore it. Perhaps you can be the generation to pass these wild isles on in better shape than you inherited them.”
* Find out how you can Go Wild Once A Week at SaveOurWildIsles.org.uk
