Targeting 25 key habitats and wildlife species in decline in the UK

Many species and habitats are threatened like never before by climate change as well as by development and agricultural practices. In response to this, A Rocha UK has worked with its conservation partners and other ecologists, to develop  a new  tool for education and conservation. Called Target 25, this focuses on 25 species, groups and habitats that are struggling with the effects of climate change, habitat loss and pollution across the UK.

One of the ‘target’ habitats we are now focussing on is native mixed woodland. 

Many native mixed woodland areas are at risk as a result of new pathogens, overgrazing from deer,  and climate change which is putting native species under pressure from increased drought and flood events.Many Partners in Action are therefore focussing on tree planting. This will help make their landscape more biodiversity rich and climate resilient. This winter, St Edwards School, a Catholic special school within the Clifden Diocese in Bristol, and our latest Partner, are planting new orchard areas, fruit growing shrubs and trees and cherries for pollinating insects. 

Another ‘target’ habitat is wetlands. The mission of our Partner, Hugh’s Meadow Nature Reserve in Northern Ireland, is to restore wetlands within an area of species-rich grassland. The reserve team plans to create a new habitat for amphibians, which are a threatened species group and part of our Target 25. In early 2022 they will be completing a new pond and ditch area for the benefit of frogs and toads as well as a wide range of dragonflies and damselflies.

A recent report by The British Trust for Ornithology and other research organisations, revealed a new list of 70 species of bird that are now threatened with extinction in the UK due to habitat destruction, climate change and disturbance. Alarmingly, their research found that the number of species so severely threatened that they are placed on the ‘red list’ had almost doubled in the 25 years. Three quarters  of birds in our Target 25 species are on the red list. This includes the house martin, swift and marsh tit.

We are working with our partners across the scheme on species recovery programmes. For example, we are assisting five sites with house martin nest box schemes and in 2022 marsh tit nest boxes will be erected at new partner sites in Scotland and Devon.

Regina Ebner, our Partners in Action Coordinator says “We may be facing an ecological crisis, but more can be done to reverse the decline of UK wildlife. We will continue to help our Partners identify species and habitats on their particular site which could be managed effectively to increase populations. We’re so pleased to see Christian land managers and owners working at the forefront of restoring nature.”  

The future for nature is uncertain, but as we scale up our action for nature and land we are convinced that by working together across this nation, we can make a real difference.