We need to save nature, says Chris Packham ahead of Shropshire visit

The situation for nature is “critical”, with species from hedgehogs to turtle doves on the brink, warned the presenter, who is visiting the county on a tour of the UK.

Speaking as his “bioblitz” campaign of visiting 50 sites across the UK in 10 days gets under way, Packham said nature reserves were not enough to protect wildlife.

The “bioblitz” events involve experts and members of the public recording all the wildlife at a site in a short period of time to get a snapshot of how nature is doing.

Prees Heath Common Reserve in North Shropshire is one of the sites, which the presenter is set to visit on Thursday.

Mr Packham said: “The underlying message for this campaign is that nature reserves are not enough, using nature reserves to look after our environment has failed because we know that most of our major habitats are in decline and many of the species that live there.

“So it’s about looking in farm fields, on rail verges, in allotments, in community spaces and gardens and the breadth of our resources where nature can prosper if it has an opportunity.

“We’re going out to take a realistic snapshot of the health of the UK’s countryside.”

Mr Packham said it was also important to encourage young people to take part, because there was a generation of people who have not had the opportunity to get out into the countryside and learn about it. And he called for more activism to help UK nature.

“What we need is more activism, not in a ranty, shouty way, and not even necessarily in a way where you’re chaining yourself to a tree to stop it getting cut down. Activism is exercising your voice.”

He said people could take to social media, sign petitions, join local groups protesting against development, or campaigning for improvements in how road verges are mowed.

Critical

On September 22, Mr Packham is leading a people’s walk for wildlife in London, asking people whatever their interest in UK nature to join him.

“We need things done now,” he said.

“It’s absolutely critical, we’re on the brink with some things.”

And he said action to protect wildlife was needed across the board.

“I think we need to look at how we consume things, we need to look at education, we need to look at landscape management whether it’s farming or models for conservation, and rewilding is something we need to explore.

“Pop-up conservation is something we need to get into, thinking it doesn’t have to be permanent, we can make a difference for a season, so why not do it for a season.

“If you’ve got an area that’s going to be developed in two years’ time, plant it with wildflowers for two years then develop it. Take advantage of any space for any amount of time you can.”