Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has launched their biggest ever public survey about wildlife found across Yorkshire and across the UK. The charity wants to learn more about what people think about nature and how we, as a society, should protect it.
Ambitions also include finding out what people already do to help nature where they live, and learning about how connected people feel with the natural world.
The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world – currently:
- 53% of native plants have declined due to farming and climate change
- 41% of all wildlife has declined in abundance since 1970
- 26% of mammals, including hedgehogs and water voles, are at risk of extinction
Yorkshire is a vitally important home for the last refuges of the country’s wildlife. Work by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Nature Recovery Committee has revealed that the county supports:
- Around two thirds of British flora
- Around 60% of British butterfly and moth species
- Around 70% of British breeding bird species
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is open to everyone.
The survey raises thought-provoking questions, for example:
- Why does nature matter to you, if it does at all?
- Who do you think should be tasked with looking after nature?
- What have you done recently to spend time in nature or to protect it?
Rachael Bice, CEO of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, says:
“Yorkshire is a county with a wealth of natural wonders that inspire and capture our imagination, provide health and well-being benefits, contribute to our local economy and provide a critical home for some amazing wildlife. Of the plants, birds, butterflies and moths our fantastic county is home to, nearly 300 are species of national conservation concern and around 130 have a particularly large part of their British distribution in our county, making us important custodians. Sadly, we carry the label of living in one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world where one in seven species are at risk of extinction.
“This research will provide valuable insights into what people think and feel about nature in Yorkshire. It will also help us to inspire more individuals and communities to join the cause in putting nature into recovery. The more we know about contemporary attitudes to nature, the more we can empower people to help protect it.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Great British Nature Survey began on 11th August and is open to anyone living in Yorkshire.
The Trust is running a competition giveaway, where survey respondents can win a copy of the brand-new Discover Yorkshire’s Wildlife handbook, the most comprehensive guide to Yorkshire’s wildlife currently available.
