Not too late for us to take action on the state of nature

The statistics make for uncomfortable reading. UK species have declined by an average of 19 per cent since 1970, one in six species is threatened with extinction and 150 species have become extinct since 1500. We should remember that the benchmark year of 1970 is an already low point because of changes in agricultural practices and the use of chemicals such as DDT which decimated birds and particularly aquatic creatures.

More than 50 per cent of flowering plants, mosses and relatives have been lost from places where they used to thrive. Non-native species now outnumber native species by 51 per cent to 49 per cent. More than 50 per cent of the remaining native species are in decline. Many introduced species are thriving such as the Common Rhodendron, Himalayan Balsam and the Piri-piri Bur. These species grow in dense mats and effectively exclude other native species.

There has been much commentary this year on the absence of insects and particularly butterflies.

(Image: Contributor)

This is not solely due to the very wet weather we had during spring and early summer. It is a symptom of the huge long-term decline we have experienced. Dave Goulson, a leading UK entymologist and writer, estimates that compared with a century ago insect populations are down by about 90 per cent to 95 per cent. Yes, that is correct, insect numbers are down by 90-95 per cent.

The causes are not surprising: ever more intensive farming, habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, pollution and the impacts of climate breakdown. The absence of insects affects flowers that need pollinators, birds that need caterpillars and larva to feed their young, bats that need flying insects, and predators like owls that feed on bats. The consequences of insect loss are clear, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will collapse with huge effects on human well-being.

(Image: Contributor)

It is easy to become despondent when seeing impacts of this magnitude, but it is not too late for us to take action. As individuals we can become citizen scientists, volunteers, lobbyists and conservationists. There are many organisations that provide advice and need our help including the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts and Climate Action groups. We can allow parts of our garden to become wilder and have space for insects to hibernate and shelter from weather and predators.

We can allow our back gardens to be connected to our neighbours and allow hedgehogs safe passage through them all. We can allow our cats out during the day rather than at night when birds and mammals are more alert and able to avoid predation. We can lobby councils to reduce and preferable eliminate their use of pesticides which do cause harm to pets, cats particularly.

We can learn to appreciate ‘weeds’ and understand that many are essential to the life cycle of insects and other invertebrates. We can also appreciate that we are not separate from nature, we are part of nature, and we depend upon it for our well-being.

• Find out more about the state of nature in Yorkshire in the report published by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust earlier this year. www.ywt.org.uk/StateofNature
• Visit climateactionstokesleyandvillages.org for details of our September meeting and Repair Café.