Restore Nature Now

On Saturday 22 June the Northumberland Wildlife Trust joined more than 60,000 people and over 350 charities, businesses and action groups to march through central London to parliament. We had one simple but powerful message to all the UK’s political parties – that they must Restore Nature Now.

The march is thought to have been the biggest public demonstration in the General Election run-up and shows the strength of public opinion on the need for stronger political action to tackle the nature and climate crisis.

Celebrities at the march included Emma Thompson, Liz Bonnin, Chris Packham, Dr Amir Khan, Feargal Sharkey, Steve Backshall, Megan McCubbin, Dale Vince and Mya-Rose Craig.

“We have stood up and spoken, we have shouted loudly and clearly about the imperative need to restore nature. This has been a moment when our next Government must listen and act so the UK will finally properly address our nature and climate crises. We’ve heard enough warm words and seen too many broken political promises while our beautiful natural world has continued to be destroyed. It’s now time for the next government to take green action and not leave nature in the red. And the first true test will be what we hear in the first 100 days of power.”

Chris Packham

In a surprise appearance, three peregrines soared over the crowds in the square during the speeches!

The campaigners supporting the Restore Nature Now march have issued 5 main challenges to politicians on the action needed for nature.

The campaigners have issued 5 main challenges to politicians on the action needed for nature:

1)           A pay rise for nature – the nature and climate-friendly farming budget doubled.

2)           Make polluters pay – new rules to make polluters contribute to nature and climate recovery

3)           More space for nature – to expand and improve protected areas, and ensure public land and National Parks contribute more to recovery.

4)           A right to a healthy environment – an Environmental Rights Bill, which would drive better decisions for nature, improve public health and access to high-quality nature.

5)           Fair and effective climate action – increasing home energy efficiency, supporting active travel and public transport, and replacing polluting fossil fuels with affordable renewables.

Watch the event on YouTube:

Restore Nature Now Rally | Live with Megan McCubbin and Guests – YouTube