Restore Nature Now march. Image by Logan Walker.
Over 60,000 march to parliament to demand politicians Restore Nature Now
On Saturday 22 June, The Wildlife Trusts travelled from across the UK including to join more than 60,000 people and over 350 charities, businesses, and action groups to march through central London to Parliament.
They had one simple, but powerful message to all the UK’s political parties - that they must Restore Nature Now.
The march is thought to have been the biggest public demonstration in the General Election run-up and shows the strength of public opinion on the need for stronger political action to tackle the nature and climate crisis.
Celebrities at the march included Emma Thompson, Liz Bonnin, Chris Packham, Dr Amir Khan, Feargal Sharkey, Steve Backshall, Megan McCubbin, Dale Vince and Mya-Rose Craig.
Actor and campaigner Emma Thompson said:
“It was incredibly powerful to see so many different individuals, groups and campaigners coming together to demand that our politicians give the priority needed to nature and climate. Without radical action our natural world will continue to decline and that is a crisis that will affect us all. This is a major moment for nature and a major moment for politics. The big question is, will the next administration heed the demands of people in the UK and Restore Nature Now?”
Chris Packham, TV broadcaster, environmental campaigner and president of Northumberland wildlife Trust said:
“We have stood up and spoken, we have shouted loudly and clearly about the imperative need to restore nature. This has been a moment when our next Government must listen and act so the UK will finally properly address our nature and climate crises. We’ve heard enough warm words and seen too broken political promises while our beautiful natural world has continued to be destroyed. It's now time for the next government to take green action and not leave nature in the red. And the first true test will be what we hear in the first one hundred days of power.”
Northumberland Wildlife Trust protestor Louis Holland-Bonnett on the march on Saturday. Image by Aphra Hollan-Bonnett.
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts said:
“The devastating effects of climate change and nature loss affect every single one of us. We need nature to be restored and we need to act fast. That’s why thousands of people have united today to demand action from the next government. Our recent poll revealed that 79% of the public think that nature is important for our well-being and economic prosperity.
“With an election imminent, this is a critical moment if we want future generations to enjoy the thrill of birdsong, the buzz of pollinators, sustainable agriculture, a healthy economy, clean air, and clean water. There’s still time for positive change and to Restore Nature Now!”
The family-friendly, legal, and peaceful march was a huge celebration of nature. It saw of people form a walking wood and walking meadow - while a giant avocet, bat, hare, mushroom, and salmon puppets towered through the tens of thousands of marchers.
At the end of the march in Parliament Square, celebrities and campaigners gathered in front of the thousands of marchers to take to the stage to talk about the state of UK nature and the political action we need to improve it.
In a surprise appearance, three peregrines soared over the crowds in the square during the speeches.
The campaigners supporting the Restore Nature Now march have issued 5 main challenges to politicians on the action needed for nature.
The campaigners have issued 5 main challenges to politicians on the action needed for nature:
- A pay rise for nature - the nature and climate-friendly farming budget doubled.
- Make polluters pay - new rules to make polluters contribute to nature and climate recovery.
- More space for nature - to expand and improve protected areas and ensure public land and National Parks contribute more to recovery.
- A right to a healthy environment - an Environmental Rights Bill, which would drive better decisions for nature, improve public health and access to high-quality nature.
- Fair and effective climate action - increasing home energy efficiency, supporting active travel and public transport, and replacing polluting fossil fuels with affordable renewables.
Environment groups are encouraging members of the public to get involved and raise nature and climate issues with political candidates during the election – find out more at www.restorenaturenow.com.