UK wildlife in a perilous state

A detailed report into UK wildlife has found that many species are struggling and that one in three have halved in number in the past half century.

The RSPB was joined by 25 conservation groups including the Wildlife Trusts, the Mammal Society, Buglife and the Marine Conservation Society in producing the State of Nature report.

It was found that 60% of the 3,148 species analysed for the report have declined in the last 50 years and one in 10 are at risk of extinction.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Sir David Attenborough, said: "This important document provides a stark warning: far more species are declining than increasing in the UK, including many of our most treasured species. Alarmingly, a large number of them are threatened with extinction.

"The causes are varied, but most are ultimately due to the way we are using our land and seas and their natural resources, often with little regard for the wildlife with which we share them.

"The impact on plants and animals has been profound."

In compiling the report, the conservation groups called on a large number of volunteer naturalists in the UK, assessing the data collected against trend assessments for over 3000 species, and red-list assessments of over 6000 species.

Woodland, farmland, coastal areas, towns and cities were assessed with a number of reasons for the stark decline in species number being blamed.

These include intensive farming, resulting in fewer meadows, hedgerows and ponds, while increasing pesticide use and climate change were also highlighted.

Dr Mark Eaton, a lead author on the report, said: "This report reveals that the UK’s nature is in trouble - overall we are losing wildlife at an alarming rate.

"These declines are happening across all countries and UK Overseas Territories, habitats and species groups, although it is probably greatest amongst insects, such as our moths, butterflies and beetles.

"Other once common species like the lesser spotted woodpecker, barbastelle bat and hedgehog are vanishing before our eyes.

"Reliable data on these species goes back just fifty years, at most, but we know that there has been a historical pattern of loss in the UK going back even further.

"Threats including sweeping habitat loss, changes to the way we manage our countryside, and the more recent impact of climate change, have had a major impact on our wildlife, and they are not going away."

Votes: 0
E-mail me when people leave their comments –

You need to be a member of Landscape Juice Network to add comments!

Join Landscape Juice Network

Open forum activity

Paul Errington replied to Adam Woods's discussion Fence post auger
"Hi Adam,
Only just seen this, so probably too late.
The quickest way would probably be to use a machine such as the Turf Teq Edger/Trencher. It's a walk-behind, powered machine that will dig shallow trench (down to 7" max) the correct width for the…"
10 hours ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Turf Science Live Ireland, a renowned educational event in turf management, returned in September, hosted at the magnificent Killeen Castle.This prestigious golf course provided a fitting venue backdrop for turf professionals to gain valuable…
10 hours ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
The recently held Exhibition News Indy Awards recognised GroundsFest 2023 in an extraordinary way, awarding it both the Best Independent Trade Show Launch and the prestigious Trade Show of the Year.These honours celebrate the innovation and unique…
10 hours ago
M Olsson posted a discussion
This year is drawing to a close, and as I reflect back, I'm considering the hurdles and successes I've faced. I thought it might be worth sharing my experiences, in case someone in a similar situation is considering venturing into the self-employed…
12 hours ago
Paul Errington replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"Hi Richard,
The best thing to use on a wild flower site is a Power Scythe; we have them in our rental fleet.
According to wildflower specialists, such as Wildflower Turf, you should cut and drop the flowers and grass, then remove the cuttings. If…"
13 hours ago
Paul Errington replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"The Turf Teq Brushcutter is a tough, walk-behind machine with a 26" cutting width. https://youtu.be/xORZwOvK5BA
We sometimes have a used, ex-rental machine available for sale."
13 hours ago
Peter sellers posted a discussion
Has anyone else on the forum received spam emails from SEO companies addressed to LJN saying they can improve LJN's google ranking, they are not aimed at us and am puzzled why we are receiving this junk from these scum bags.
21 hours ago
Damian Crossley is now a member of Landscape Juice Network
yesterday
Nick Saunders replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"I use a Billy Goat Outback I bought secondhand many years ago for cutting between Christmas tree rows and it's been invaluable. It will cut brush with no worries and is built like a brick outhouse. They are around 3k new but I think I paid £500…"
yesterday
Ben Carter replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"i don't do many conservation cuts or whatever you want to call them.  Always strim the ones I get to do.  
One observation I've made though is the lovely flowers and grasses are a treat to the eye. But the poor frogs, other reptiles and small…"
Saturday
Robbie posted a blog post
Saturday
Sam Bainbridge replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"Once or twice a year on wild flowers is more of a ride on mower job. I just use my iseki for this on top height then drop it down for a 2nd run over.
For the big rough stuff this guy is talking about I'd go for the etesia attila. It's the big boys…"
Saturday
Chris Allder commented on Chris's blog post Jacksons Fencing to Exhibit at FutureScape 2024 After Nine Year Hiatus
"East Coast Fencing would be interested in pricing for your Solar Fence Panels"
Saturday
Ian Harvey replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
""
Saturday
Richard Shelton replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"We are getting asked this increasingly recently also - grass areas set aside as meadow and wild flower areas (more like weeds in the main), and only to be cut once or twice a year on new estates. What machines are you guys hiring/using?
Thanks also,…"
Saturday
Graham Taylor replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
""
Friday
More…

Spam

Has anyone else on the forum received spam emails from SEO companies addressed to LJN saying they can improve LJN's google ranking, they are not aimed at us and am puzzled why we are receiving this junk from these scum bags.

Read more…
0 Replies
Views: 9