We've launched a new report which sets out a vision for a greener, healthier and happier Wales
Monday 23rd July 2018
Our 'Wilder Wales' report shows how we can reverse decades of wildlife decline by mapping out the important places for wildlife that need to be protected and key areas where habitats should be restored.
Towards a Wilder Wales – creating a Nature Recovery Network, shows how we can reverse decades of wildlife decline by mapping out the important places for wildlife that need to be protected and key areas where habitats should be restored. The report shows why nature is important and its future role in supporting a more sustainable Wales.
This report comes at a critical time for nature, coinciding with the Welsh Government consultation on Brexit and our Land - looking at land management in the future. New proposals include land being used to provide ‘public goods’ such as storing water, capturing carbon, reducing flooding and restoring nature. These public goods will only be possible if we recognise the role of nature and look after our natural resources.
Rachel Sharp, Chief Executive Officer, Wildlife Trusts Wales, says:
“We must invest time, effort and money into bringing wildlife back. We need a greener, wilder Wales for the sake of our health and happiness. Who wouldn’t want to live in a world where the air is cleaner, our homes and buildings are greener and seeing a hedgehog is an everyday experience. We need this change now so that people can be healthier and happier, with less stress and anxiety. And we need it for future generations, so that our children understand that the natural world is the foundation of our wellbeing and prosperity; that we depend on it, and it depends on us.”
New proposals in the Brexit and Our Land consultation set out how farmers and land managers will be eligible for financial support for managing their land in a way that looks after Wales’ natural resources in the interest of everyone. Wildlife Trusts Wales are supportive of these proposals and want to work together with the farming community and Welsh Government to create a policy that supports rural Wales, protects the environment and restores wildlife.
The Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn, said:
“One of my priorities is to improve resilience and reverse the decline of biodiversity in Wales. Towards a Wilder Wales highlights some of the fantastic nature we have in Wales, like our national parks, which support diverse ecosystems while providing us with vital natural resources.
“Brexit and Our Land emphasises the need to create sustainable land management businesses, producing competitive goods and services while being in harmony with our environment. I urge everyone with an interest in land management to have their say through the consultation, which will be open until 30 October.”
A Nature Recovery Network is a joined-up system of places important for wild plants and animals, on land and at sea. It allows plants, animals, seeds, nutrients and water to move from place to place and enables the natural world to adapt to change. A Nature Recovery Network will create the space for nature to meet the needs of wildlife and people.
James Byrne, Living Landscapes Manager says,
“In the last 50 years we have seen a 56% loss of nature in Wales. We need to create a network of nature recovery maps in Wales to reverse this trend and safeguard the environment and wildlife for future generations. We need to recognise that our lives will be more prosperous, rich and diverse with abundant wildlife in our lives. The Brexit and Our Land consultation gives us an opportunity to recognise the value of nature to our society, culture and to our economy.”
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| a_wider_wales_2.pdf | 5.25 MB |