At a time when the world needs greater action from its political leaders to deal with both the climate and nature emergencies, the UK is falling behind on almost every conceivable measure.

The landmark 2023 State of Nature Report has shown that the UK – already classified as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world – is continuing to allow nature to decline.

Nature is struggling right here in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire as well. From record levels of pollution to reduced crop yields resulting from extreme weather, the effects of a consistent lack of investment in protecting and restoring our natural world are becoming increasingly apparent.

The upcoming General Election offers an unrivalled opportunity to change this. Encouragingly, recent surveys conducted by the Wildlife Trusts demonstrate a broad range of support for a healthy environment across the electorate, irrespective of voting choice.

BBOWT is calling on candidates of all parties to sign up to five priorities that will deliver for nature and for people. By urging your candidates to sign up to these too, you can ensure that nature has a fighting chance.

1. Bring back our lost wildlife

It is no longer enough to just protect the wildlife that remains – we need the next UK Government to align across departments to put nature into recovery, on land and at sea, by the end of the next Parliament.

At BBOWT, our Water Vole Recovery project has increased the range of water voles in our three counties by more than 80% over 20 years. This shows it can be done.

2. End river pollution and water scarcity

Rivers sustain the natural environment, wildlife and people in equal measure, yet not a single stretch of river in England is in good overall health.

Last year BBOWT joined a Wildlife Trusts’ campaign calling on the Government to create new bespoke legal protections for chalk streams, but we need to go further. The Government must ensure that polluters of all waterways are held accountable.

3. Fund wildlife-friendly farming

The destruction of nature and the impacts of climate change are the biggest threats to food security in the UK.

At Wells Farm in South Oxfordshire, BBOWT is already showing how farming can be profitable whilst keeping nature in mind. Farmers must therefore be supported and incentivised to make this transition and ensure the UK’s long-term food security.

4. Enable healthy communities

Research suggests that the NHS could save an estimated £2.1 billion every year in treatment costs if everyone in England had access to good quality green space. The Government must ensure nature is thriving even in urban environments.

BBOWT is already working with urban communities in Bicester, Banbury, Slough and Reading to help people and nature thrive together.

5. Tackle the climate emergency

The Government must recognise the importance of nature in achieving its net-zero targets - peatlands, woodlands and other wild places store vast quantities of carbon. Habitat restoration is therefore essential.

BBOWT’s Chimney Meadows nature reserve in Oxfordshire is a prime example.

What you can do

Nature recovery is the answer to so many social challenges and we have the opportunity to show our future representatives that nature is a vote-winner.

Reach out to your prospective parliamentary candidates and ask them what they will do for nature if elected. This can be on social media or through emails and letters. 

At BBOWT, we have created several useful aids that can assist you in these conversations, which you can find on our website.

Together, we can make a difference for nature, climate and people. So whatever way you vote this year, remember to vote for nature.