Nature is our future

We’ve launched a campaign to persuade the UK Government to step up the pace to help British wildlife recover and stop unravelling important nature protections.

We needed to act because, in the past year, the Government has changed longstanding policies and treated nature as a 'blocker' to progress. For example, it has made it easier for developers to build without improving the environment.

Get involved

We need your help. If you’re concerned about the decline in nature and, like us, are worried that Government isn’t taking this seriously enough, please contact your MP using our template letter.

Together, we want to show Ministers that nature is not a nice-to-have but essential for the UK’s future. When we restore, protect and invest in nature, we create healthier communities, stronger local economies and a better quality of life for everyone. 

A shared love of nature

Research confirms that the UK public loves nature. According to new polling gathered by independent research agency More in Common for the National Trust, nature and the countryside are the second biggest source of pride for Britons, after the NHS.

The survey also found that only one fifth of people think the Government’s care towards restoring nature is in line with their own, and 6 in 10 think the Government cares less about nature than they do personally.

What we’re calling for

We’re asking the Government to make three commitments:  

1. Restore nature now – the Government must honour its commitment to manage 30% of land for nature by 2030. That means designating more space for nature and paying our farmers properly to help nature thrive.  
2. Defend nature and wildlife – stop weakening the laws that protect them. Introduce a strong Water Reform Bill to clean up our rivers, streams and seas, and make polluters pay.  
3. Build places to be proud of – demand that neighbourhoods are rich in nature and end unfair access to green space, starting by publishing the Government’s long-promised action plan by the end of the year. 

How bad is the situation?

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Millions of birds have disappeared from our skies in recent decades and only 14 per cent of English rivers are in good ecological health. Once-common British species like hedgehogs and red squirrels are now a rare sight. A recent Government intelligence report warned of the risks to national security and the economy by not restoring nature.

Added to this, access to nature is unfair. Millions of people don’t have quality green space near where they live and so can’t easily access the benefits that nature brings.

But it’s not too late to turn this around. In fact, the Government has a legal obligation to halt the decline in nature.

Frequently asked questions

Why the National Trust?  

We have always been campaigners. As Europe’s biggest conservation charity, we have a responsibility not only to protect and restore the land we care for, but to promote the restoration of nature to others. As the charity entrusted with places that define our national landscape, the National Trust has a responsibility to act at scale— now — so that nature can recover, not just survive. 

This is part of our founding act of parliament. We know that the current state of nature is unacceptable and that something must be done to fix it. We believe everyone can help make a difference by supporting our campaign.

Does writing to your MP achieve anything?  

Yes. Your MP has a responsibility to represent their constituents’ views in parliament. By contacting them, you’re showing them you’re concerned, and encouraging them to raise this issue with Government. If MPs receive a significant amount of correspondence on a particular issue, they are more likely to raise the issue in parliament and with senior Ministers. So writing to your elected representative is a good way of making your voice heard, especially if enough of us do it.

How else can I support the campaign? 

You could share it with your friends and networks or talk about it on social media. Donating to the National Trust or another nature charity is another way of supporting nature, as is volunteering. You might also find volunteering or citizen science projects near where you live. If you have a specific idea for raising awareness of the campaign, or want to offer your support, we would love to hear your ideas.