State of Nature Report Reveals Alarming Decline in UK Wildlife
The State of Nature report, released today, paints a dire picture of the state of wildlife in the United Kingdom. The report, which is the most comprehensive assessment of UK wildlife to date, highlights a devastating decline in the country’s biodiversity.
Key findings from the report are deeply concerning:
- One-in-six species at risk: The study reveals that a staggering one in six species in Great Britain are at risk of being lost forever. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for action to protect and conserve our native wildlife.
- Across-the-board decline: On average, species in the UK have declined by 19% since monitoring began in 1970 (41% for birds). This long-term decline is a clear indication that our ecosystems are under severe stress.
- Vulnerable groups: Some groups of species are particularly vulnerable, with birds, amphibians, reptiles, fungi, and terrestrial mammals facing even higher risks. Beloved species like the Turtle Dove, Hazel Dormouse, Lady’s Slipper Orchid, and European Eel are now in jeopardy.
- Habitat degradation: Most of the critical habitats for UK wildlife are in poor condition. However, the report emphasises that restoration projects can have significant benefits, not only for nature but also for people, in particular for building resilience to the impacts of climate change and carbon storage for climate change mitigation.
To read the full report, you can download it here.
A combination of intensive land management, climate change, unsustainable fishing, and habitat destruction, are primary drivers behind this alarming decline. The report calls for swift and collective action to address these issues.
While the report paints a bleak picture, it also offers hope. Large-scale restoration projects and conservation efforts have shown that it is possible to make a positive impact on wildlife and habitats. However, these efforts need to be scaled-up significantly to reverse the decline. The State of Nature report serves as a wake-up call, urging us to take immediate action to protect our precious biodiversity. As responsible stewards of our planet, it is our duty to ensure that future generations can experience the rich and diverse wildlife that the UK has to offer.
Nat Seddon, NbSI Director and Science co-lead for the People’s Plan for Nature, said “Despite the fact that the loss of nature threatens our health, wealth and wellbeing, it is absent from mainstream political discourse. This report and the Peoples’ Plan for Nature are a critical opportunity to change that.”
Nature-based Solutions in UK Climate Adaption Policy
Published on September 27, 2023.
