Member Article

More than one in ten UK species threatened

It’s not too late to save UK nature but we must act now - that is the conclusion from a coalition of more than 50 leading wildlife and research organisations behind the State of Nature 2016 report.

Following on from the groundbreaking State of Nature report in 2013, leading professionals from 53 wildlife organisations have pooled expertise and knowledge to present the clearest picture to date of the status of our native species across land and sea. The report reveals that over half (56%) of UK species studied have declined since 1970, while more than one in ten (1,199 species) of the nearly 8000 species assessed in the UK are under threat of disappearing from our shores altogether.

There are many inspiring examples of conservation action that is helping to turn the tide. From pioneering science that has revealed for the first time the reasons why nature is changing in the UK, to conservation work – such as the reintroductions of the pine marten and large blue butterfly and the restoration of areas of our uplands, meadows and coastal habitats. But more is needed to put nature back where it belongs.

As the UK Government and devolved administrations move forward in the light of the EU Referendum result, there is an opportunity to secure world leading protection for our species and restoration of our nature. Now is the time to make ambitious decisions and significant investment in nature to ensure year-on-year improvement to the health and protection of the UK’s nature and environment for future generations.

Liz Charman, RSPB Conservation Officer for the North East and Cumbria, said: “This report shows that while there have been some wonderful conservation successes in recent years, there is still a huge job to do if we want to save nature in the UK.

“In Northumberland, we are particularly concerned about much of our upland and coastal wildlife. Curlews and lapwings used to breed in abundance in the uplands of Northumberland but they’ve suffered huge declines in the past few decades. Over on the coast, little terns are falling victim to climate change as are other seabirds like kittiwakes.

“Wildlife in urban areas such as Newcastle and Gateshead is also under threat with hedgehogs, swifts and great crested newts in serious trouble.

“The RSPB and other nature conservation organisations are working hard to halt the declines of these species but we can’t do it alone and need the Government to take urgent and decisive action to protect our precious wildlife.”

Mike Pratt, Chief Executive Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “The report certainly shows we are at a turning point in the management of natural systems and how we as society interact with it. We have choices and with the Government looking at new ways forward for the whole of the UK in the wake of Brexit, we can collectively choose to put more power and resource into ensuring our impact on nature is positive going forward.

“It is crucial to our wellbeing so it really is about choosing ‘life’ and putting nature first. We should strive to have the best protection and most innovative ways of conserving wildlife for the future across Europe and make the UK a centre of excellence in this regard; there is still a long way to go and it will need political commitment.”

The State of Nature 2016 UK report was launched by Sir David Attenborough and UK conservation and research organisations at the Royal Society in London on Wednesday, September 14, while separate events will be held in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast over the next week.

Sir David Attenborough said: “The natural world is in serious trouble and it needs our help as never before.

“The rallying call issued after the State of Nature report in 2013 has promoted exciting and innovative conservation projects. Landscapes are being restored, special places defended, struggling species being saved and brought back. But we need to build significantly on this progress if we are to provide a bright future for nature and for people.

“The future of nature is under threat and we must work together; Governments, conservationists, businesses and individuals, to help it. Millions of people in the UK care very passionately about nature and the environment and I believe that we can work together to turn around the fortunes of wildlife.”

In order to reduce the impact we are having on our wildlife, and to help struggling species, we needed to understand what’s causing these declines. Using evidence from the last 50 years, experts have identified that significant and ongoing changes in agricultural practices are having the single biggest impact on nature.

The widespread decline of nature in the UK remains a serious problem to this day. For the first time scientists have uncovered how wildlife has fared in recent years. The report reveals that since 2002 more than half (53%) of UK species studied have declined and there is little evidence to suggest that the rate of loss is slowing down.

Mark Eaton, lead author on the report, said: “Never before have we known this much about the state of UK nature and the threats it is facing. Since the 2013, the partnership and many landowners have used this knowledge to underpin some amazing scientific and conservation work. But more is needed to put nature back where it belongs – we must continue to work to help restore our land and sea for wildlife.

“There is a real opportunity for the UK Government and devolved administrations to build on these efforts and deliver the significant investment and ambitious action needed to bring nature back from the brink.

“Of course, this report wouldn’t have been possible without the army of dedicated volunteers who brave all conditions to survey the UK’s wildlife. Knowledge is the most essential tool that a conservationist can have, and without their efforts, our knowledge would be significantly poorer.”

For a full copy of the State of Nature 2016 report - https://www.dropbox.com/s/w5cb78ke608s1ed/UK%20report%20-%2024%20Aug.pdf?dl=0

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sue Bishop .