Comment: Catch the vision for UK nature

When heading for a precipice, the smart thing to do is slow down and change course – fast. Britain’s nature is heading over a cliff. That’s the conclusion of the State Of Nature report, released last month (September). But it’s not too late to change course.

COLOSSAL EFFORT

A colossal effort by 53 of the UK’s nature charities – including A Rocha UK – the report reveals more than half (56%) of UK species studied have declined since 1970. More than one in ten (1,199) of the nearly 8,000 species assessed are under threat of disappearing altogether. The primary cause is changes in agricultural practice – from ripping up hedgerows to make mega fields, to intensive use of pesticides. Climate change also plays a role. It’s a human-made disaster. It’s one we can avert.

Conservation charities – supported by public donations and a small army of volunteers – are collaborating like never before, pooling research and lessons about what works. There are many inspiring successes. But to turn the tide we need the Government, with its much greater resources, power over the economy and a raft of relevant policies, to act decisively.

PRECIOUS NATURE

Agricultural and environment department DEFRA is working on a much-delayed 25-year plan for nature. It’s a crucially timed opportunity. It must not be squandered. The Government must have a bold vision to restore our nature. It must put a credible plan in place. And with the UK poised to leave the EU, the plan can and should shed the environmentally damaging aspects of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy – but retain key protections of EU environmental legislation, such as the Birds and Habitats Directive.

Now is the time for Britain’s nature-loving public to raise its voice and insist on such a vision – before much of our precious nature vanishes completely. (Photo: Clive Price)