Shocking images of wildlife entangled in plastic in the BBC’s Blue Planet II brought plastic pollution to a global audience. During 2018, companies came under increasing consumer pressure to cut the amount of single-use plastic and improve recycling of the plastics that they produce.
Could you use less plastic in 2019? Here are some ways to cut your use of plastic.
Following a campaign by The Wildlife Trusts that was supported by 25,000 people, the government published a revised version of its National Planning Policy Framework, which included some reinstated protection for Local Wildlife Sites, such as Yoesden nature reserve (pictured).
Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign.
Find out more about Local Wildlife Sites in Berks, Bucks and Oxon.
Justin Warhurst
The government published its Agriculture Bill in September. The new bill gives politicians a chance to make dramatic changes to the UK’s agriculture policy so that we don’t have to choose between wildlife and food production. Farming that works with nature makes sense – for now and for the future.
Brown hare by Ian Boyd
Thousands of wildlife-lovers, including BBOWT staff and supporters, gathered in Hyde Park on Saturday 22 September for Chris Packham’s Walk for Wildlife.
The walk ended at Downing Street where Chris Packham delivering the People’s Manifesto for Wildlife to Number 10.
Earlier this year, the supermarket Iceland announced it is banning palm oil in its own-brand products. Palm oil is a complicated issue but raising awareness of its impact seems complicated too. Iceland found its Christmas advert about rainforest destruction, orangutans and palm oil banned from TV for being “too political”.
A pair of little ringed plovers at Greenham Common reared a chick for the first time in five years.
Ground-nesting birds, such as little ringed plovers, are very sensitive to disturbance during the nesting season so it was great to hear that this pair were successful.
Little Ringed Plover by Richard Steel/2020VISION
Yoesden, renowned for its butterflies, had a great year for most butterfly species, particularly the rare Adonis blue.
One survey in July revealed a remarkable second brood of more than 500 common blues!
Adonis blue butterfly. Picture: Colin Williams
This summer we counted 18,000 orchids at Aston Clinton Ragpits. Thank you to everyone who helped us count them!
This old chalk pit has become a haven for wild flowers, butterflies and other wildlife since BBOWT began looking after it more than 20 years ago.
This autumn we raised nearly £40,000 to help look after and create new habitats for dormice and other precious woodland wildlife.
Thank you to everyone who supported us.
No logo dormouse climbing up hazel branch (https://youtu.be/eh7fGHCS9V0)
Dormouse video Gerald Kingfishers
"Today was better than Legoland!"
Year 2 pupil
12,000 schoolchildren were inspired by nature at our education and environment centres across Berks, Bucks and Oxon.
Through our heads, hands and hearts approach to environmental education we inspire tomorrow's wildlife champions.
You can help us make 2019 better for wildlife by taking part in The Wildlife Trusts’ Campaign for a Wilder Future.
Here are some other ways to reduce your impact on the environment day-to-day.
