The UK is facing a nature crisis. We are one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, with over 97% of species-rich grasslands destroyed, up to 70% of ancient woodlands degraded, and more than a quarter of UK mammals at risk of extinction. 

This didn't happen overnight. For too long, nature and nature recovery has been a political afterthought. We have failed truly to grasp that ‘all civilisations are built on soil' and that the natural world is the totality of our life support system. So we need to turn the tide urgently. National and local government needs to work hand-in-hand to prioritise protection and restoration if we have any chance of preserving our critical natural heritage.