Thousands of people – including BBOWT’s President, Steve Backshall – are expected to unite for the Restore Nature Now event on Saturday.  

The march will demonstrate to UK leaders the clear public support for action on nature and climate before the General Election on 4 July. The event is backed by more than 300 nature, wildlife and climate groups, including The Wildlife Trusts, as well as high-profile campaigners such Chris Packham, Liz Bonnin and Dr Amir Khan.

Steve Backshall, wildlife presenter and BBOWT’s President, said: 
“With many UK species on the path to extinction, our rivers becoming a pollution highway and the future of our climate at a crucial crossroads, the next Government needs to put the UK on the right track for the natural world. The Restore Nature Now march and its thousands of supporters sends a clear signal to all politicians that this General Election must be a nature and climate election. The public wants it, UK wildlife needs it, and the next generation deserves it.”

BBOWT’s acting Conservation Strategy Director, Matthew Stanton, said:
“With over 50,000 members and 1,700 volunteers across our three counties, we know that our communities are deeply invested in supporting nature. The figures around rising pollution, falling wildlife and the drastically changing climate are devastating; we can still turn things around – but time is running out. We’re inviting everyone who cares about these issues to join us for the Restore Nature Now march and make it clear to the next UK Government that protecting and restoring our natural world has never been more critical.” 

The landmark 2023 State of Nature Report showed that the UK – already classified as one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries – is continuing to allow nature to decline. One in six UK species is at risk of extinction.

The upcoming General Election will make 2024 a defining year for nature’s recovery, as the next government will determine whether or not the 2030 targets of halting nature’s decline and protecting 30% of land and sea are met.

BBOWT is calling on all political parties to sign up to five priorities to restore nature:

• Bring back the UK’s lost wildlife
• End river pollution and water scarcity
• Fund wildlife-friendly farming
• Enable healthy communities
• Tackle the climate emergency

A new poll conducted by The Wildlife Trusts reveals that environmental issues are a key concern for voters, as 39% will vote based on environmental policies, and most people (59%) consider environmental issues to be at least as important as other issues facing the country.

The march will be legal, peaceful and inclusive, with family-friendly performance art, sculptures, and singing. All are welcome to attend.

Chris Packham, TV Broadcaster and Wildlife Campaigner, said:
"As conservationists and environmental groups, we have to accept that the dire state of nature – both in the UK and globally – has happened on our watch. So, now's the time for bolder action, stronger demands, braver tactics and a new way of working… together. Ticking a box, signing a petition, sharing a post – it’s simply not enough when we are facing the collapse of our living systems. It’s time for all of us to take to the streets, shoulder to shoulder, whoever we are, and demand our leaders Restore Nature Now."

The demonstration will assemble in Park Lane at 12 midday and by 1pm will march towards a rally in Parliament Square, where Steve Backshall is expected to speak. BBOWT supporters are encouraged to join The Wildlife Trusts’ section at the front of the march, within the ‘Woods’ block.

Find out more and sign up to march at: restorenaturenow.com