Wiltshire Wildlife Trust joined thousands of individuals and organisations at the "Restore Nature Now" march in London. 

Fifteen staff members and the Trust's Director marched alongside more than 60,000 advocates for nature, sending a powerful message to UK political parties to take urgent action on the nature and climate crisis.

The march, which took place on Saturday, June 22, "highlighted the overwhelming public support for stronger political action to protect and restore nature".

Celebrities such as Emma Thompson, Chris Packham, and Liz Bonnin joined the protest.

(Image: Eleanor Church)

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's participation in the march reflects their ongoing commitment to championing nature across the county and advocating for policies that support the recovery of wildlife. 

The Trust's recently launched Manifesto for Nature outlines five key priorities for the next government:

  • Bringing back Wiltshire's wildlife. The Trust calls for increased funding to protect red-listed species, tackle invasive non-native species, and ensure that 30 per cent of land is actively managed for nature by 2030.
  • Funding wildlife-friendly farming. The Trust urges the government to provide adequate support and incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit wildlife.
  • Protecting Wiltshire's chalk streams. The Trust calls for new protections for all chalk streams and investment in nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration alongside regenerative farming.
  • Enabling healthy, thriving communities. The Trust advocates for policies that create more accessible green spaces, improve nature connectedness, and support communities to engage with nature.
  • Tackling the climate emergency. They call for ambitious policies to reduce carbon emissions and promote nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
     

Joanna Lewis, Chief Executive at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: "We are thrilled to have been part of this historic demonstration for nature.

"The overwhelming turnout reflects the growing public awareness of the urgent need to address the nature and climate crisis. We urge all political parties to heed our manifesto for nature and prioritise policies that will restore and protect our natural world."