The UK environment, like much of the world, is in danger. Temperatures continue to rise as a result of global warming and UK wildlife is suffering as a result. For this reason it is essential that we rewild the UK and restore biodiversity in order to give UK wildlife the best chance of survival.
The continued damage to the world’s environment is no longer a problem that can be addressed tomorrow and if we wait any longer it will soon affect us all. Biodiversity is essential for life on earth as it provides functional ecosystems that provide oxygen and clean air and water. Biodiversity also helps the process of pollination in plants, pest control, waste water treatment and much more.
This need to restore biodiversity is why it is essential to rewild the UK. By planting trees and restoring wild meadows and seabeds, UK wildlife can be provided with the safe haven environments they need. Projects such as planting native trees and vegetation will also ensure there are less harmful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which contribute to further climate change and global warming.
UK wildlife is at Risk – Why We Need To Rewild The UK
The threat of extinction is not an issue that only affects life in far away continents like Africa and Asia. Life in the UK is in just as much danger from the effects of global warming and climate change. The scale of influence climate change has had over our environment is broad, affecting not only our forests but also our meadows, sea life and much more.
Here are a few examples of UK wildlife threatened by the consequences of climate change:
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are adored by many in the UK but have been in sharp decline in the last 70 years. It was estimated that in 1950 that there were as many as 36 million hedgehogs in the UK. Unfortunately, reports from recent years show that the number has dropped as low as 1 million in 2013.
The reason for this decrease is partially due to warmer winters in recent years which have affected their hibernation patterns. This causes them to wake up at the wrong time of the year, before there is enough food around to support them. Another suggested reason for this decline is the volume of new roads and building development constructed within their habitat.
Red Squirrels
The decline in the population of red squirrels also shows why it is of utmost importance to rewild the UK and restore biodiversity. This very popular form of wildlife has been in decline since the early 20th century and has dwindled down to an estimated 140,000. Part of the reason for this decline is the 2.5 million North American grey squirrels pushing the species out of the area since its introduction to the UK. As a result reds are often only found in the far north of England and Scotland. The red squirrel is thus a perfect example of why a restoration in biodiversity is so important in the UK.
There was a small glimmer of hope for the red squirrel population in recent years but a susceptibility to squirrel pox means they remain very much in danger of extinction in the UK.
Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies
One factor of UK wildlife that makes it so distinct is the vast and varied selection of butterflies. However, British butterflies have been in decline in recent years and one butterfly that has suffered greatly is the small tortoiseshell. This butterfly was once one of the most common butterfly species. However, reports in 2013 indicate that numbers have dropped by 77% in the last 10 years alone.
A reason for this decline may be as a result of wet springs and summers in the UK. Additionally, like much of life in the UK a decline in the availability of a natural habitat is likely to cause this decline as well.
Restoration Projects as a Catalyst for Change – Why We Need To Rewild The UK
The time for change is now and this is why The Natural World Fund works with restoration projects in the UK that help to rewild the UK and restore biodiversity.
One type of restoration pursuit that we support is the planting of native forests and trees in the UK. With your support and by spreading the word about this cause, we can take the necessary step of planting as much native vegetation and trees as possible which will help restore biodiversity. More trees will also help absorb dangerous greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change.
By supporting The Natural World Fund for as little as £12.50 a month, you can offset your carbon footprint which is vital for the continued survival of nature in the UK. Furthermore, by choosing us you can be sure that your contributions are making a real difference in helping the environment.
Unfortunately, some restoration projects in the UK have done little to actually help the environment and some have actually caused a negative impact. This can be seen with the planned expansion of the conifer woodlands across the UK which has put the red squirrel population at risk. You should not be fooled into believing that all tree planting schemes care about nature and wildlife. By supporting us you can be assured that your contributions will be used in a way that is actually beneficial to UK wildlife.
Additionally, if you want to take further steps to combat the climate crisis we are facing and help restore nature in the UK you can also help by working to offset your carbon footprint. The UK environment needs all the support it can get so make sure to spread the word about climate change and educate others on how they can make a difference in their lives too.
More than just Trees!
Trees are not the whole story for rewilding the UK and restoring biodiversity – we need much more. Natural World Fund will also use your donations for building, supporting, and protecting all types of habitats in the UK so nature can thrive, whether it be for forests, meadows, rivers, seabeds and more. The extent of the negative impact on wildlife and nature in the UK is varied and we ensure that your money goes towards giving animals a safer, healthier home environment.
UK Seabeds Need Saving Too!
We have covered how climate change and a lack of biodiversity has affected wildlife on land for the UK with species such as red squirrels and hedgehogs in serious danger. However, life in the UK seas is also at risk in the UK.
The careless way of life in UK waters with the scouring of seabeds, dumping of waste and continued building in our waters has put many forms of life at serious risk. It is true that our seas are rich with wildlife, but many of our habitats and species now find themselves under threat and in decline because of these sorts of activities.
This mistreatment has caused a decline in the availability of food and an increased competition for space between different species. Furthermore, litter in our seas has caused many species to die as they become lethally entangled in our mess.
Some species of wildlife that are facing an increased pressure as a result of these factors include the basking shark, cold water corals and exotic seahorses. The mistreatment of our waters is not only affecting fish either, as the 26 species of seabirds that rest along our sea coastlines now also find themselves at risk.
This is why The Natural World Fund works to restore seabeds and biodiversity within UK waters. Doing so will ensure that our incredibly diverse and beautiful seawater life has a chance of survival before it is too late.
We Created the Natural World Fund To Make Real Impact!
Now we have shed some light on why rewilding the UK and restoring biodiversity is so important, we need your support in this battle against these dangers to UK nature and wildlife.
The Natural World Fund is the place for you if you want to make a difference. Perhaps you want to help but don’t know how. We make it easy by giving you clear and easy steps to do your part to help our environment.
With your donations and support we can fund restoration projects across the UK that will help in restoring biodiversity. Your donations will also help us continue planting native trees that will absorb harmful greenhouse gases and support life for countless varieties of life that need it.
We created The Natural World Fund to make a real difference. We are fed up with companies wasting so much of your money and not doing what’s right for Britain and what’s right for our wildlife. By subscribing to the Natural World Fund, you will fund climate projects across the UK. We ensure that every penny of your money goes towards helping nature thrive, all whilst providing you with updates on how your money is making a truly positive impact.
If you would like to Learn more about The Natural World Fund, our projects and how you can support us, visit our website and get in touch with us today!
