Throughout the election campaign, it became clear that people know that our natural world is in crisis and want politicians to make the bold and ambitious commitments to reverse the decline. So with the results now in, what does it mean for nature? Shortly after the general election was announced, The Wildlife Trusts commissioned...
Over 60,000 people march to parliament to demand politicians Restore Nature Now
On Saturday 22 June The Wildlife Trusts travelled from across the UK 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...
#30DaysWild
30 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trusts’ annual challenge event, where everyone involved does one wild thing a day throughout the month of June. We’re excited to celebrate 10 years of 30 Days Wild with YOU this year. Sign up today and receive a FREE pack in the post, plus lots of inspiration for activities. Visit 30 Days...
Lovely ladybirds
A closer look at one of the UK’s most popular beetles. The variety of beetles in the UK is staggering – around 4,000 different species! They do lots of important jobs, from shifting dung to pollinating plants. Some are fast and agile hunters, others trundle along at their own pace. They can be black...
Mice to meet you!
Photo Harvest Mouse by Amy Lewis Mammal expert Stuart Edmunds introduces the four species of mice you can see in the UK. When people think of rodents, the first things that spring to mind are often negative. For millennia, humans have lived alongside rodents but often viewed them as pests, due to their habit...
Woodland restoration and footpath work in Lazenby Wood
Why is Lazenby Bank a Nature Reserve?Lazenby was bought by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust in 2018 with a generous grant from Biffa Award. We bought the site to protect its special woodland wildlife and keep it for people to enjoy nature. The reserve extends over 200 acres, most of which is broadleaved woodland...
The Wildlife Trusts’ marine highlights and challenges of 20203
Sensational bait ball spectacles at sea, new marine protection and hope for whales and bluefin tuna: The Wildlife Trusts’ marine review 2023 The Wildlife Trusts’ annual round-up of life in UK seas presents tales of hope and heartache through spectacular encounters, conservation successes and challenges for marine and coastal wildlife. The highs and lows...
Emergency authorisation of bee-killing pesticide is a “deathblow” say The Wildlife Trusts
The UK Government’s Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, has approved ‘emergency’ authorisation for the use of the highly damaging neonicotinoid, Thiamethoxam, on sugar beet for the fourth year in a row. This pesticide has been banned in the UK since 2018 but has been approved for use on British sugar beet crops. This announcement comes...
The Wildlife Trusts urge for better plan as UK Government fails environmental targets again
Last week, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) published its second annual report saying progress on around half the UK Government’s nature goals is either static or moving in the wrong direction. This is disappointing, particularly as UK Government has previously said they want to leave the environment in a better state for the...
Say YES to healthy, happy bees…
Say YES to supporting nature-friendly farming. Say YES to a healthy environment. The UK Government has been asked by British Sugar to approve a banned, bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticide for use on sugar beet in 2024. Ask the UK Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, to say no to British Sugar – and say YES to happy bees, help for...
British Sugar fails to deliver on 3 year plan to end use of banned neonicotinoids
Time’s up! Minister urged to help sugar farmers go neonic-free and honour ban as deadline approaches to end reliance on bee-harming chemicals An application for the use of a banned, bee-harming neonicotinoid on sugar beet seed in 2024 has been submitted to the UK Government – despite an industry commitment to end reliance on...
Waxwing winters
Discover the bird that’s a favourite amongst birdwatchers, despite the fact that most rarely see one. It’s been a good year for Waxwings in the Tees Valley – have you seen any? Every winter, millions of birds travel to the UK to escape the harsher weather that sets in at their breeding grounds. Families...