Pair of Kingfisher on a branch. Photo copyright: Jon Hawkins / Surrey Hills Photography

New Government Priorities for Nature

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust are calling upon the new government to commit to a plan to finally halt and reverse the trend of declining nature.

© Pair of Kingfisher on a branch. Photo copyright: Jon Hawkins / Surrey Hills Photography

5 Priorities for Nature

Leading wildlife organisations including The Wildlife Trusts recently published a landmark State of Nature 2023 report. It shows that nature is continuing to decline at an alarming rate across the UK, which is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. These findings are reflected in Sheffield and Rotherham, with the near disappearance of important species including white-clawed crayfish, turtle dove and willow tit from Sheffield and the complete loss of some species, such as water vole from Rotherham.

In view of the nature crisis, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, along with colleagues across all UK Wildlife Trusts, have identified five priorities for politicians ahead of the next general election:

Priority 1:

Bring back the UK’s lost wildlife

The next UK Government must work across departments to put nature into recovery by protecting and restoring at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Species like the long lost Beaver should return to Sheffield and Rotherham, and a nature recovery network should join up wild places, from our neighbourhoods to the countryside.

Find out more at The Wildlife Trusts.

© Beaver: Mike Symes
Water Vole eating grass on bank of wetland. © Terry Whittaker / 2020 Vision
© Water Vole eating grass on bank of wetland. © Terry Whittaker / 2020 Vision

Priority 2:


End river pollution and water scarcity

With the UK among the worst countries in Europe for water quality, the next Government must sufficiently fund enforcement agencies to do their job. No river in Sheffield and Rotherham is in good overall condition. By 2030, nutrient pollution from farming, sewage and development must be halved, and more wetlands should be created to tackle flood and drought.

Find out more at The Wildlife Trust