Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
The Wildlife Trusts: Our priorities for the next UK Government
What we're calling for
The landmark 2023 State of Nature Report has shown that the UK – already classified as one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries in the world – is continuing to allow nature to decline.
The Wildlife Trusts are calling upon all political parties to commit to a plan to finally halt and reverse this trend. Their policies must be targeted towards species recovery, addressing water pollution, funding wildlife-friendly farming, enabling healthy communities, and tackling climate change.
Alongside Wildlife and Countryside Link’s Nature 2030 proposals, we want these asks to ensure all parties stand on a platform with nature’s recovery at its heart.
It has never been more evident that people care more about the state of their natural environment than ever before. With a general election on the horizon, it’s time politicians heard that message.
Water vole © Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
Bring back Leicestershire & Rutland’s lost wildlife
In Leicestershire & Rutland, we're working towards this goal by continuing to develop and deliver significant landscape-scale nature recovery schemes such as our Soar & Wreake and Charnwood Living Landscapes projects. These projects are benefitting a range of threatened species including Water voles, Hazel dormice, Bitterns and Swifts. But there is more work to be done.
Luke Massey
End river pollution and water scarcity
Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust is working to improve local rivers such as the Wash/Saffron Brook in Oadby/Leicester and the River Soar through its projects, but additional legislation from UK Government could transform our rivers for good.
Andrew Parkinson/2020VISION
Fund wildlife-friendly farming
The Trust is actively supporting farming groups across the counties, including via our long-standing partnership with Jordans Cereals which helps the farmers who grow oats for Jordans to farm in harmony with nature, but much more could be achieved with greater financial input from UK political parties.
Helena Dolby for Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust
Enable healthy communities
We are engaging local communities with nature through our #TeamWilder and Nextdoor Nature projects. The Trust also runs a range of education programmes for children and young people. We believe everyone has the right to access nature, but we can't ensure this alone.
Deadwood and moss in a UK rainforest © Ben Porter
Tackle the climate emergency
Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust’s projects to restore and create carbon-capturing habitats, reintroduce wildlife, and safeguard nature reserves, are all examples of how we're working to tackle the nature and climate crises. Joined-up efforts are the only way to ensure our success for the whole country.