The state of nature is alarming. 

Since 1970, we have caused a 70% decline in the world’s biodiversity. The UK, in particular, is facing a significant loss of nature, with the abundance of species dwindling by an average of 19% during this period. A staggering 16% of species are now threatened with extinction, including 43% of birds, 31% of amphibians and reptiles, 28% of fungi and lichen, and 26% of terrestrial mammals. The distribution of pollinators, such as butterlflies, bees, hoverflies, and moths, has decreased by an average of 18%, while species that provide pest control, like the 2-spot ladybird, have experienced a 34% decline. Shockingly, only 14% of vital wildlife habitats are currently in a good ecological state.

The loss of nature is an immense and intricate issue, one that is often challenging to fully grasp, let alone one where individuals feel empowered to take action to halt the damage.

I firmly believe that establishing connections between communities and local species and spaces is crucial in empowering people to take action to safeguard these vital elements of our natural world, and can help communities begin to mitigate the harm we have caused to the environment.

As David Attenborough aptly stated, “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

Adam Riley.

Founder and Director.

KETTERING NATURE GROUP