State of Nature 2023: Devastating declines highlight political priorities

Today, leading wildlife organisations including Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust publish 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.

Devastating declines in State of Nature 2023 report

The State of Nature 2023 report shows:

• One in six species is now at risk of being lost from Great Britain
• The wildlife studied has, on average, declined by 19% since monitoring began in 1970
• Most important habitats are in poor condition, though restoration projects have clear benefits for nature, people and adapting to climate change

People’s concern about nature loss, climate change and degraded wild places is a significant voting issue. Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust is calling on local politicians of all parties to commit to an ambitious programme of policies to support nature’s recovery.

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust give local politicians five priorities to support nature recovery 

In view of the nature crisis, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust has identified five priorities for politicians ahead of the next general election:

• 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.

• 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.

• Fund wildlife-friendly farming 

The destruction of nature and impacts of climate change are the biggest threats to food security in the UK. Farmers must be supported and incentivised to help wildlife recover by creating more space for nature, significantly reducing pollution, and halving harm from pesticides by 2030. The budget for nature-friendly farming should increase to a