Since 1912, Wildlife Trusts across the UK have been speaking out for nature. Our organisation is unique – whilst most of our work for wildlife takes place at local grassroots level, we have a UK voice.
Believing that wildlife is essential to a healthy environment for human beings, we work with people from all walks of life to make sure nature gets a chance. The Wildlife Trusts campaign for better protection for our precious wildlife and habitats and to raise awareness of the public and government to wildlife threats.
Marine Bill Campaign
It's time to have your say and help protect our seas!
The Wildlife Trusts are running a major, national campaign to help ensure a better future for the amazing wildlife that depends on our seas for survival. Read on to find out how you can make a difference.
Draft Marine Bill - launched 3 Apr 08
On 3 April, the Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced the publication of the draft Marine Bill. The Wildlife Trusts response is below.
Draft Marine Bill brings hope of healthy seas - but effective Marine Act must appear on the statute book by 2009
The Wildlife Trusts welcome the publication of a draft Marine Bill as an important step towards restoring the health of the UK’s seas.
Stephanie Hilborne, The Wildlife Trusts’ chief executive, said: “With this draft Bill, we’ve finally laid the foundations for the protection of our seas. The Wildlife Trusts have campaigned for many years for new laws to bring marine conservation into the 21st century and we are delighted that the Government has today published a draft Bill. The draft contains numerous measures we have lobbied for, including Marine Conservation Zones and new controls on inshore fisheries.
“We’re now working with lawyers to check that the draft Bill has the teeth it needs to address some of the trickier problems in our seas. The Bill must be capable of creating marine reserves – highly protected sites – as they play a vital role in nurturing a healthy marine ecosystem. The most important thing is to get an effective Marine Act on the statute book in 2009. We will do everything in our power to make sure this happens and urge the Government to maintain the momentum to achieve this.”
For more information and to find out how you can help support the campaign click here
Wild About Gardens Project
Wildlife populations have declined in recent years, due to loss of habitats, feeding grounds and breeding sites. In some areas, what was a rich mosaic of habitats has become a desert for wildlife. With natural habitats such as wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands disappearing at an alarming rate, gardens are quickly becoming important havens for a wide range of birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates.
The Wildlife Trusts and The Royal Horticultural Society have pooled their expertise in a joint project Wild About Gardens. It aims to promote the garden as a special place for contact with wildlife, celebrate what gardeners are already doing to encourage wildlife, and increase our understanding of the significance of local wildlife character in our gardens. For more details visit www.wildaboutgardens.org