Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust sets down challenge to politicians

THE Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust has laid out five priorities for politicians – with environmental issues set to play a role at the next general election.

The trust is part of the State of Nature partnership, which has published a report saying the UK has become one of the most nature-depleted countries.

It warns that the size of the response and investment is far below what is needed given the scale of the crisis, with one in six species now at risk of being lost.

Findings in the report are reflected in South Yorkshire, with the near disappearance of white-clawed crayfish, turtle dove and willow tit from Sheffield and the complete loss of some species, such as water vole, from Rotherham.

The trust identified five priorities for politicians ahead of the election next year:

Bringing back lost wildlife to the area, such as the beaver
Ending river pollution and water scarcity
Funding wildlife-friendly farming, reducing pollution and incentivising the leaving of space to help wildlife recover
Enabling healthy communities, for example by creating more green spaces in neighbourhoods
Tackling the climate emergency by protecting and restoring natural habitats

Trust chief executive Liz Ballard said: “Despite Sheffield and Rotherham being known for our green and blue spaces, with varied habitats from vast moorland to weaving urban rivers, we find ourselves increasingly needing to take action to help protect endangered species such as red-listed swifts, water voles and curlew.

“These wonderful places and wildlife are under threat from pollution, habitat loss and our changing climate.

“We desperately need wilder and more natural areas to help wildlife recover, enable nature to adapt to climate change and create healthier, happier and more prosperous communities.

“Nature recovery is the answer to so many social challenges and it is up to our elected representatives to ensure that is reflected in policies ahead of the next election.

“We are calling on people to contact their MP and ask what they are doing to help nature recovery in their area, and tell them this should be one of their top priorities too.”

The trust is a registered charity which works with the community to protect and enhance the environment.