BBOWT warn one in six species is now at risk in Great Britain

28/09/2023

pic: Terry Whittaker 2020VISION

Politicians are being asked to think about nature ahead of the next general election

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is amongst a number of Wildlife Trusts which have come together today to publish a report which shows that nature is continuing to decline at an alarming rate across the UK.

The State of Nature 2023 shows that one in six species is now at risk of being lost from Great Britain.

It also reports that most important habitats are in poor condition.

The Wildlife Trusts are calling on politicians to think about nature ahead of the next general election.

Aims they suggest include bringing back the UK’s lost wildlife and ending river pollution and water scarcity, alongside funding wildlife-friendly farming.   They are also calling on the next UK Government to create more greenspaces in neighbourhoods and tackle the climate emergency by protecting and restoring natural habitats.

Estelle Bailey, Chief Executive of BBOWT, said: “Our three counties are famous for our amazing wildlife: the snake’s head fritillaries at Iffley Meadows in Oxford, the rare Chiltern gentian and the magnificent displays at Inkpen Crocus Field. These wonderful places and wildlife are now under threat: our chalk streams are being polluted and HS2 and housing development are destroying wild habitat.

“Even at our nature reserves, dormice and beech trees are struggling because of changing weather patterns, badgers are suffering from persecution, and adders, curlew, butterflies and other species are fast disappearing, too.

“We desperately need wilder and more natural areas to help wildlife recover, enable nature to adapt to climate change and create healthier, happier, and more prosperous communities. Nature recovery is the answer to so many social challenges and it’s up to our elected representatives to ensure that is reflected in policies ahead of the next election.”


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

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