In a rallying call for urgent environmental action, the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has published its Manifesto for Nature, imploring Wiltshire and Swindon’s next elected MPs to heed the voices of the younger generation and prioritise initiatives addressing nature, climate, and wellbeing.
The Manifesto, released this week, outlines five critical priorities requiring the immediate support of candidates standing in the forthcoming General Election. The Trust asserts that solutions to reverse the current nature and climate crises are known but need robust backing from the government to be effectively implemented.
“Actions taken by the next government will be crucial in delivering on national and international targets for nature and tackling climate change by 2030,” the Trust emphasised.
The Manifesto calls for MPs to support the following priorities:
- Bring back Wiltshire’s wildlife
One in six species is at risk of extinction in the UK. Wiltshire is no exception. Research has revealed 132 species that urgently need help in Wiltshire, including lapwings and water voles. To help protect these threatened species, there needs to be increased funding to protect red-listed species and tackle invasive non-native species. To reverse nature’s decline, 30% of land should be actively managed for nature by 2030, which is double the level in Wiltshire at present.
- Fund wildlife-friendly farming
Wiltshire is a farming county; 80% of our land is farmed. Nature-friendly farmers hold the key to restoring nature’s abundance and they need support, especially from government. Many farmers and land managers have gone to great lengths to support wildlife but without being adequately rewarded.
- Protect Wiltshire’s chalk streams
Our globally important chalk streams – lifelines for species such as otters and brown trout – are particularly vulnerable to pollution, especially when it gets concentrated when water levels are low in summer. New protection needs to be introduced for all chalk streams from the threats of over-abstraction and pollution, and there needs to be investment in nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration alongside soil-friendly regenerative farming.
- Enable healthy, thriving communities in Wiltshire & Swindon
We are living through a mental health crisis. The NHS is not resourced to meet the
burgeoning demand for mental health care. Nature experiences are proven to improve health and wellbeing, so it is important to increase funding for the provision of local wellbeing services, such as ecotherapy and green prescribing.
- Tackle the climate emergency
Climate change is affecting all wildlife and people. 2023 was the hottest year on record. Nature, livelihoods, food and water sources are all at risk from flooding, drought and extremes of climate right here in Wiltshire. There not only needs to be increased government support for homeowners and businesses to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, but there also needs to be investment in nature-based solutions to adapt to and mitigate climate change, such as reconnecting rivers with floodplains to reduce the risk of flooding.
Joanna Lewis, CEO of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said, “Young people here in Wiltshire and Swindon tell us that they are worried about the climate and nature crisis. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is calling for our next elected MPs to respond by pledging their support on five key priorities. We can all be proud of Wiltshire’s precious chalk streams and stunning wildflower meadows, but much-loved species like water voles, lapwings, and dormice are being lost at an alarming rate. Wiltshire is a farming county, and nature-friendly farmers hold the key to reversing nature’s decline – our next elected MPs must ensure they have the reward they deserve. Nature-based solutions not only help prevent spiralling costs from flooding, river pollution, and climate change, but they will also help enhance our beautiful county and the wellbeing of all who call it home.”
The Trust’s manifesto is built on the feedback from young people in Wiltshire and Swindon, who are deeply concerned about the environment but often feel powerless to effect change. The Trust’s survey revealed that 80% of young respondents believe the government should do more to combat climate change, although only 52% know what actions they can take.
Edward, age 10, suggested, “I think schools should have a day 2-3 times a year where they plant trees and vegetables.” Robyn, age 11, added, “We should use cars less and walk more, which helps us to exercise too!”
For the full Manifesto for Nature, visit: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/manifesto.
