Saving Britain's Wildlife: Reflection Before Action

Go Wild With Annette

By Annette J Beveridge

Having been an avid nature watcher for a great many years, I knew that things were changing, that nature wasn't so visible as when a child. But I don't recall it being a dramatic ‘Oh my God’ moment when the realisation washed over me. The fact that nature is struggling was more of a quiet awakening.

Yes, I noticed there were fewer insects, butterflies, and moths and that there were fewer bird species than I remembered. Once I started to consider this, I noticed the losses more and more.

When you are in tune with nature, you instinctively ‘feel the change’ and sadly, science backs this up.

Nature in Britain is in decline.

Nearly one in six species here are at risk. Let that sink in. Add to this shameful statistic, the fact that this country is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world makes it a disgraceful situation.

So what is causing this loss?

Intensive agriculture, the use of pesticides, the loss of hedgerows, and of course, intensive farming. Most ecosystems - wetlands, woodlands and peatlands are degraded and this has a ripple effect on everything else within those precious ecosystems.

Add in the loss of vital habitats and nature is on a downwards spiral.

I am all for the planting of trees, but we should never have chopped down ancient woodlands in the first place. New woodlands in the right places is fantastic. New stretches of trees to join up existing woodlands create corridors and this is vital. But it is impossible to replace ancient woodlands and all the habitats provided just by planting new trees.

This won't be new to you, but it is worth reminding that we need to celebrate the wins and be prepared to speak out about nature loss. When I reflect on the past to now, I feel sad. The sadness is because I didn't realise this when I was much younger and could have been an advocate for nature then. Yes I helped with wildlife rescue, and campaigned for nature, but I could have done more.

There are wins - thankfully, rewilding projects are bringing back important species including bison which open up the environment and is beneficial for many species.

Why is this important?

I always think of nature as a giant jigsaw puzzle. To have a healthy ecosystem, all species that are relevant to that ecosystem must be in place. This includes predators. When a species is lost, the ecosystem is out of balance.

Pine martens are beginning to return and beavers are improving biodiversity and transforming rivers. More than 97% of our precious wildflower meadows were lost but there is a drive to now increase these vital habitats for birds and insects.

We talk about this green and pleasant land but it has lost the bit that is most important - its heart.

Nature has every right to live and to thrive. It is our fault that nature is struggling. We have done this - not individually but collectively, and are responsible through our ignorance.

Now this isn't to finger point and play the blame game. I was ignorant of the facts too. Unless we seek out the truth, we don’t know. There is a sense that our Government will do the right thing. They won't.

I am not here to shock you. I want to increase your love of nature because this country is beautiful and our wildlife is as fascinating as any. But it could be so much better. It could be a haven for wildlife and we could live alongside wildlife in a much happier and kinder way than we do now.

At this moment, we plunder our peatlands, allow sewage and forever chemicals to poison our beautiful rivers and chalk streams. We use pesticides which are unnecessary and we consume the chemicals sprayed on our food. How can we have let the UK become so unwelcoming and unforgiving for nature and for us?

Saving Britain's Wildlife means making changes. We can all do something at home. We can grow plants to help pollinators, we can avoid using weedkillers in the garden, we can grow our own fruit and vegetables. Yes, this helps us as wel as wildlife.

We can help birds to survive with food and water. Plus we can create the right habitat - shrubs and trees to help them help themselves. When we grow pollinating plants, we encourage insects in and by doing so, we help various species.

Believe me when I say that when we think and act with nature in mind, we feel the wins. Each action, even small, is a giant tick in the box for nature. Plus, it is heartwarming for us.

Our reality does not mean we must settle for this because it would only get worse. Environmental standards rarely improve unless we make our feelings known. We can be the thorn in the side of Government and we can be the creator of natural and welcoming gardens which really make the difference.

I hope you will join me in my quest.

Saving Britain’s Wildlife is not out of our reach. I dare to dream and will do my best to work for nature.