Laura Anderson
The UK is by far one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, with only 53% of its biodiversity remaining. There is no doubt that we need to make changes to improve our biodiversity, and provide security for our wildlife, or we may be looking towards a future without them.
Since the 1950s, we have seen rapid decline in some of our native species. The numbers of hedgehogs have fallen by 95%, turtle doves by 98%, and the common toad by 68%. Overall, since the 1970s, 41% of our species have declined, with 26% of mammals at risk of extinction today.
Yet our animals are not the only ones at risk, our natural landscapes have faced disruptions due to rapid urbanisation. Between 2006 and 2018 alone, 1600 miles of road was constructed in Great Britain. On top of this, 72% of British land is used for agriculture, leaving fewer habitats for our wildlife to thrive in. In the last century, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows.
We have seen disruptions to seasonal events, our migrating birds are arriving and laying their eggs earlier. Our flowers are blooming at irregular times. Not only that, but there have been impacts to our food sources. Cold water fish stocks that we rely on, like cod, are moving further north. Insects like butterflies and bees, which pollinate our crops, have also seen a rapid decline - butterflies alone have decreased by 35% between 1970 and 2017.
There is absolutely no doubt that we need to do something to save our wildlife. But where do we begin? And what can you do to help?
There are several routes that can be taken in the steps towards protecting, saving and conserving our wildlife. One of those routes is rewilding. Rewilding is a progressive approach towards conservation, which has sparked many movements in the past years. It is the process of allowing nature to recover on its own through the enabling of natural processes and encouragement of returning species.
Across the UK, there have been multiple project launches to begin rewilding our landscapes, for example the relocation of beavers to Perthshire farm in November 2021. Beavers aren’t the only animals conservationists are trying to bring back to Britain; since the establishment of Natural England’s species reintroductions task force, the return of our lost species, like the wildcat, in the years to come is looking a lot more hopeful!
For many years, scientists have been working towards reintroducing a large predator to England to tackle the red deer population. Currently, red deers face no natural predators, and are causing havoc across Britain, damaging our landscapes. Their overgrazing, bark stripping, and trampling is damaging peatlands, woodlands and our local biodiversity.
In 2018, the Lynx UK Trust came close to reintroducing lynxes to our landscapes. They were first set to be released here in Northumberland and Scotland, but the government rejected the plan, claiming it lacked “depth.” And so, the red deer population continues to inflict further damage to our wildlife.
The Lynx UK Trust isn’t the only reintroduction programme. The Wilder Blean Bison Project aims to bring back bison, who are extremely beneficial for our habitats. Their debarking creates open areas, allowing grasslands to thrive and benefitting our butterflies, insects and reptile populations.
The Scottish Beaver Trial aims to reduce downstream flooding and create an abundance of habitats. Whilst the Vincent Wildlife Trust Pine Marten Recovery tackles overpopulation of large birds, like crows and ravens. Isle of White Sea Eagles and Trees For Life Red Squirrel Projects are other examples. Many other animals have also been considered, wolves, bears and wolverines are often brought up in discussions.
However, the reintroduction of species isn’t the only form of rewilding taking place here in Britain. The organisation, Rewilding Britain, aims to double the country’s woodland from 13% to 26%. Not only will this benefit our wildlife, but it will benefit us and our planet. However, with only 44% of our woodlands being managed sustainably, there are still changes to be made.
Despite the good rewilding can bring, it is in fact quite a controversial topic. A majority of the public have several concerns, farmers in particular are worried about their livestock and land. The reintroduction of larger animals has especially raised questions; many believe the animals will simply be shot, resulting in the movement being completely futile.
Others have fears that rewilding the land will damage their businesses and reduce the land available for their animals. The BBC documentary series, The Lakes with Simon Reeve, highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of rewilding certain areas in the Lake District.
Rewilding is no easy task, and the difference in opinions makes it no easier. But we can’t sit around and do nothing, we have to come to a compromise. Agroforestry is a great example of this! The combination of forests and agriculture not only allows farmers to keep their land, but increases our biodiversity, and provides plenty of habitats for our smaller wildlife. Not only that, but a lot of agricultural land is to be put out of use, around 3.6% by 2030, so why not start rewilding that? Let’s begin re-creating the natural landscape we once had!
Rewilding doesn’t just have to be done on a grand scale. Starting small is an important step in helping our native ecosystems. You can start by planting more flora in your garden or by helping your local communities plant trees, hedgerows and wild flowers. Alternatively, you can donate to charities like Heal Rewilding and Rewilding Britain. Or read further up on the issue on www.rewildingbritain.org.uk, and investigate further ways in which you can help.
Rewilding movements have seen a rise in public support - time donated by volunteers has increased by 46% since 2000. Though, public sector expenditure on biodiversity in the UK has fallen by 42% since its peak in 2008/9. Which is why we should continue spreading awareness.
In 2021, we saw our first World Rewilding Day on the 20th March to bring awareness to the movement. In addition to this, throughout 2021 there were many rewilding projects launched. We saw government support in species reintroductions, breakthroughs in financing rewilding movements, and the declaration of Scotland as our world’s first Rewilding Nation!
133 species in the UK have gone extinct since the 1500s, let’s not add any more to that. It’s time to start rewilding Britain!
READ MORE LIKE THIS...
READ MORE BY...