At a time when the main political parties are arguing over who has the best plan for the UK here is our five-point plan to restore nature in the UK!
1. Bring Back Warwickshire’s Lost Wildlife
Nature is declining at a speed never previously seen and shows no sign of slowing… 1 in 6 species are now at risk of extinction. In Warwickshire we’re working towards this goal by reintroducing the hazel dormouse, and supporting threatened species like bittern, water vole, willow tit and white-clawed crayfish by reviving our wetlands. But there is more to be done.
To help nature recover, we’re calling on politicians to …
- Protect and restore at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030
- Protect our waterways from sewage and pollution
- Bring our finest wetland engineers, wild beavers, back to every county
2. End river Pollution and Water Scarcity
The UK is one of the worst countries in Europe for water quality, with pollution beyond legal limits caused by a toxic cocktail of sewage and agricultural pollution. Along with inadequate enforcement this means our rivers are no longer suitable for wildlife, or for people to swim in, and thanks to climate change and growing demand, we are seeing water availability decrease. In Warwickshire we are improving rivers like the Sherbourne in central Coventry and the Tame and Blythe in North Warwickshire, but additional legislation could transform our rivers for good.
To end river pollution and unsustainable water use, we’re calling on politicians to …
- Enforce the law
- Halve nutrient pollution by 2030
- Deliver stronger protection for chalk streams
3. Fund Wildlife Friendly Farming
The destruction of nature and the impacts of climate change are the biggest threats to food security in the UK. Restoring nature through a shift to regenerative, nature-friendly methods on farms will bring many benefits, not just for wildlife but also for farmers. In Warwickshire we have created three sustainable farming groups which now include over 50 farms across the whole county, supporting farmers to make more sustainable choices, to benefit wildlife without compromising on crop yield.
To support a just transition for farmers, we’re calling on politicians to...
- Increase the budget for wildlife-friendly farming
- Halve pesticide use
- Help farmers reduce emissions and adapt to climate change
4. Create Healthy Communities
More than one third of the population are unable to access green places near their home. Improving access to natural, wildlife-rich places where we live, learn and work will transform lives, improving health, happiness, and hope across communities.
We are supporting local communities through #TeamWilder, our Wild Wellbeing projects and programmes for children and young people. We believe everyone has the right to access nature, but we can’t ensure this alone.
To create healthy communities, we’re calling on politicians to...
- Commit to a cross-Government fund to grow community-based health services
- A Right to a Healthy Natural Environment
- Give every child the best start in life.
5. Tackle the Climate Emergency
We live in a climate and nature emergency. Climate change is driving nature’s decline, and the loss of wildlife and wild places leaves us ill-equipped to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to these changes. One cannot be solved without the other. In Warwickshire we are putting into place a very ambitious plan of habitat creation and ensuring that our own emissions reduce to zero by 2030.
To tackle the climate emergency, we’re calling on politicians to …
- Help Nature and people adapt to climate change
- Protect our blue carbon
- Upgrade energy efficiency for homes
This is our manifesto for nature. Any politician is welcome to make it theirs!