Blog: The state of UK nature is a disgrace, but there is hope

The State of Nature report shows UK nature is at risk, and we have a responsibility to fix it says BIAZA’s Andy Hall… 

Today the 2023 State of Nature Report paints a bleak picture. So many of us can see there’s less nature in our lives – fewer bugs flying about, less noise from our seabird cliffs, spotting a hedgehog gets harder and harder – and this is backed up by this important report: 
 

• Nearly 1,500 UK species are at risk of being lost 

• 1 in 6 species is threatened with extinction in Great Britain  

• We’ve already lost 151 species since 1500 

• Species have declined on average by 19% since 1970 

This is being felt by ordinary people, in every corner of the country - people want more nature, clean water, clean air. They want our landscapes thriving with wildlife, and to feel pride in being a nation of animal lovers.  

And yet, we are one of the most nature-deprived countries in the world. Successive governments have failed to act. This is impacting our mental health and wellbeing, our climate resilience and the sustainability of our food production.  
 
But there is hope - conservationists have shown that the tide can be changed. A 2021 study showed that 76 species, including iconic British species such as Scottish wildcats and pine martens, were being restored by just seven UK zoos and aquariums. The same paper demonstrated that 20 native species would face decline or even extinction without the work of these zoological organisations – including species such as beavers and the white stork.  
 
Sand lizards are being restored by Marwell Wildlife, Choughs are once again flying over Kent thanks to Wildwood Trust, Seagrass is being protected from boats by the National Marine Aquarium, seals are being rescued and rehabilitated by Welsh Mountain Zoo. 
 
But the work of conservationists needs to be backed by Government policy. We need a Great British Wildlife Restoration...
 
Today, BIAZA will be joining numerous campaigners and organisations including Chris Packham, Megan McCubbin, WWF and the RSPB outside Defra in London to protest the nature failure. Over the next few months, we will also hold our Great British Wildlife Restoration campaign, to tell our politicians about the work of our conservationists restoring our beautiful British species, and calling for a better way forward.