Act to save wildlife ‘not ambitious enough’

Will the Environment Act help save wildlife? Devon Wildlife Trust fears that it falls short of what’s needed

ON Monday it will be six months since the landmark Environment Act was passed – the first dedicated environmental legislation for nearly 30 years and the first time England has set legally binding targets for nature’s recovery.

It is only now that the details of these targets are being discussed and a consultation is due to close on 11th May to assess how ambitious these targets will be. It’s crunch time for nature.

Unfortunately, the long-term target currently being proposed for nature’s recovery aims to have just 10% more nature in 2042 than 2030 levels – by which time the state of our natural world is expected to have declined even further.

This could mean that wildlife is less abundant by 2042 than it is now, after another decade of decline, and clearly falls short of the UK Government’s promise to pass on nature in better condition. UK nature is already in dire straits. This country is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world: 41% of species are in decline and 15% at risk of extinction. It’s hardly surprising when you consider that 97% of lowland meadows – home to wildflowers, mammals and birds – have disappeared, as have 80% of heathlands – and rivers are in deep trouble too.

Here in Devon, however, recent experience has shown that the decline in species and habitats need not be inevitable and can be reversed. The brave and historic decision to close seas immediately around Lundy to fishing has seen marine life return and flourish. On land beavers have returned to the county’s rivers for the first time in centuries, creating the conditions for other wildlife to prosper – from water voles to kingfishers to dragonflies. In Exeter and Plymouth concerted campaigns have established citywide networks of wildflower meadows which bring colour to people’s lives and an important nectar-rich resource to pollinating insects.

These initiatives show what is possible and how nature can return given the right conditions. However, the new target that the UK Government has proposed is too weak and unambitious – England would have

‘This is no time for treading water. We need Government to be bold and ambitious’ HARRY BARTON

even less wildlife in 20 years’ time than the much-depleted state that we have now.

Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “Every year, there are fewer birds, insects and wildflowers in the fields, woods, lanes and rivers that make our county so beautiful. This is no time for treading water or half-hearted targets. We need our government to be bold, ambitious and purposeful. Please sign our petition calling for stronger targets to put nature on the path to recovery.”