WORCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust chiefs have called for urgent action after a devastating report revealed nature is continuing to decline at an alarming rate across the UK, already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
The State of Nature 2023 report shows one in six species is at risk of being lost from Great Britain while the wildlife studied has, on average, declined by 19 per cent since monitoring began in 1970.
Most important habitats are in poor condition, though restoration projects have clear benefits for nature, people and adapting to climate change.
Trust bosses have said such decline is being seen across the county and called for action from people across all levels of society, from elected representatives and businesses to communities and individuals.
Colin Raven, director of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “With every new State of Nature report, we are seeing the situation for our wildlife, and for us, continue to get worse.
“This isn’t just about the loss of a pretty-looking butterfly or the gap birdsong leaves behind; the natural world is fundamental to our lives. It provides us with clean air, clean water and the food we eat.
“Habitat loss and fragmentation as well as climate change are all impacting wildlife.
“In Worcestershire, for example, one quarter of our watercourses are in poor or bad ecological condition. We’ve all but lost the cooing of turtle doves and water voles are going the same way.
“Local parish, district and county councillors as well as MPs of all parties need to take stock of what they can do to help reverse this trend; whether it be creating wildlife-friendly greenspaces in their neighbourhood or influencing local or national policy.
“We desperately need wilder and more natural areas to help wildlife recover, creating corridors and stepping stones to give wildlife space and enable nature to adapt to climate change.
The Trust works across Worcestershire to support people who want to take action for nature where they live in work.
Their Natural Networks project, run in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, provides advice and funding for work which helps wildlife. Over the last five years, this project has funded landowners, businesses, parish councils and communities to help wildlife on more than 130 hectares.
Supporting communities to help wildlife in their neighbourhoods is central to the Trust’s work in helping to connect people to nature and to help restore nature across Worcestershire.
Projects are running in Worcester, Bromsgrove, Redditch and the Wyre Forest where Trust staff and volunteers are supporting communities to take action for nature in their areas.
People are encouraged to visit Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s website for ideas on how to help wildlife where they live, whether in their garden, community greenspace, business premises or farmland.
Elected representatives can get in contact with the Trust to find out more about changes in local and government policy that are needed to help wildlife in Worcestershire and beyond.