Nature 2030 has released a new report showcasing the importance of safeguarding the UK’s natural environment, outlining a roadmap for councils to increase biodiversity in their boroughs through methods such as reducing mowing frequency and community engagement.
The report launch, supported by global charity Plantlife, comes as the new Labour government has set nature recovery as one of the five priorities for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Plantlife, whose on the ground research is a central feature of the report, are experts in creating wildflower-rich road verges and green spaces, with their ‘Managing Grassland Road Verges – A best practice guide’ awarded the ‘Best Practice Knowledge Sharing’ accolade in 2020 by CIEEM.
Pledging his support for the new report, Chris Packham, broadcaster and activist, said: “With every mow and every cut, we are destroying the essential habitats, food and carbon-capturing environments needed for our country to thrive.
“Councils are at the heart of change in our communities. However, they are facing this battle for biodiversity alone. The report by Nature 2030 gives councils the confidence and support they need to implement necessary change.
“Let’s create communities with wildflowers on every verge, birds in every hedgerow and hedgehogs in every park. Our community spaces can still be practical, accessible and people-friendly whilst boosting biodiversity, and this report shows us how.”
Dominic Dyer, Chair of Nature 2030 said: “Biodiversity in Britain is in a state of decline. At Nature 2030, we have been working to target change from the ground up, offering support to those who need it the most.
“Nature 2030 are building a very convincing case for urban rewilding, with our new report effectively communicating the value of increasing biodiversity to the public by engaging local councillors, community groups and inspiring future generations to become urban nature champions.”
If you are interested in more research and reporting from Nature 2030, or are interested in using the findings of the report for your own council, please register here.