Nature is in trouble, but you can help!

(Credit: Laurie Campbell/ WTML)

The UK stands as one of the world's most nature-depleted nations, evidenced by the fact that nearly one in six species in Great Britain are at risk of extinction, 151 species have already gone, and the average abundance of UK species has declined by 19% since 1970. Many of us have seen the telltale signs of this biodiversity crisis: fewer insects, songbirds, and small mammals, like hedgehogs. But there is hope. Turn your concern into action and be part of the solution. Together, we can create a healthier future for people and nature. 

Your local council is the first line of defence for nature where you live. It makes important decisions on development and nature protection in your area, so putting nature on the political agenda is crucial.  

What can my council do to address the nature emergency? 

  • Declare a nature emergency to formally acknowledge the severity of the biodiversity crisis. This is an initial step that can lead to councils taking further action for nature recovery. 
  • Have an action plan that’s evidence-based and outlines specific actions and targets for nature recovery. 
  • Embed nature in strategy by putting nature at the heart of all council decisions and policies and considering it in all the work the council does. 
  • Commit to meeting national targets for nature, by protecting and managing 30% of council land for nature by 2030. 

Ask your council to declare a nature emergency and take action 

 
Use our template email to urge your local council leader to declare a nature emergency and reverse species declines. Not sure if they’ve already declared? Enter your address and our tool will check for you and offer you the appropriate template.

FAQs

How do I know how my council is doing?

Using the Nature Emergency website, you can check how your local council is doing.

Does declaring an emergency make any difference? 

Yes! In 2018, councils across the UK began declaring climate emergencies to acknowledge and take action on climate change. Three-quarters of all councils have declared a climate emergency so far, and they’re all working to reduce energy wastage in their facilities, invest in renewables, and increase public awareness.  

By declaring a nature emergency, councils can take similar action to help declining species. This could include greening parks and urban infrastructure, passing nature-friendly planning policy, and working with experts to create a comprehensive plan.    

How does nature help people? 
 
Nature is vital to human life. Species, and the ecosystems they form, provide for every breath of air we take and every mouthful of food. Our whole society and agricultural system relies on the biodiversity of pollinators, soil organisms, natural predators of crop pests and many more. Plants and trees clean the air, capture carbon, boost water quality and help reduce flooding. Biodiversity enriches our lives too. We value the chance to spend time in nature and we know it’s good for our mental and physical health and wellbeing.  

What could my council do to address the nature emergency? 

By implementing practical steps, councils can play a significant role in protecting and enhancing biodiversity in their communities,  including:  

  • creating and restoring habitats like wildflower meadows, woodland, hedgerows and ponds  

  • land management methods like reducing mowing and using natural materials  

  • incorporating nature into council planning policy and committing to at least 30% tree canopy cover in new developments. 

  • engaging with the community to help inform council decisions on nature 

  • public education and awareness programmes to help residents and businesses act for nature.   

How do woods and trees increase biodiversity? 

The UK's woodland is home to a wealth of wildlife, from shade-loving plants and delicate fungi, to nesting birds, elusive mammals and rare insects. Even a single tree can provide a host of microhabitats and vital features, with small holes, deadwood, flowers, leaves and seeds providing food and shelter for so many living things. Often the older a tree or wood is, the more it can offer for wildlife: a massive 2,300 species use our native oaks, and ancient woodland supports more species than any other land-based habitat in the UK.  
 
As well as being vital habitat in their own right, woods and trees are crucial wildlife corridors that connect other nature-friendly habitats. Habitat fragmentation is a major factor in species declines, with spaces for nature disconnected from each other by roads, buildings or intensive farming. Woods and trees can help join habitats up for wildlife to travel through the landscape and thrive again.

Why does it say 'n/a n/a. no County Council for this area' when I go to send my letter?

Not everyone has a county council. For example, if you live in a city you may only have one city council whereas many other areas have a district council as well as a county council. If you live in one of these areas, then you will be able to tick the boxes to allow you to send a letter to your county council as well as another to your district or borough council. 

 

 

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Urge your local council leader to declare a nature emergency and act before it’s too late.  

Enter your details to find your council. 

Join the growing number of people asking their local councils to reverse wildlife population decline and support nature. 

Enter your name and address below to generate an email voicing your support for nature recovery that’s tailored to your local council. You can send it direct to your local council leader and if they act upon it, nature in your area will recover, with tangible benefits to your community and wildlife.

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