In 2026, people across Wales will go to the polls to elect new Senedd members. On the surface, it may feel like just another election cycle. But this election comes at a critical moment, for nature, for our communities, and for the future of Wales. 

As members and supporters of the Wildlife Trusts, you already know that nature in Wales is extraordinary. From ancient woodlands and peatlands to rivers, coastlines, and seas, our natural environment is deeply woven into who we are. 

But you will also know about the devastating decline in nature and that it is under serious pressure. The evidence is stark. 

The recent State of Natural Resources Report stated that wildlife continues to decline at an alarming rate, with 1 in 5 species now at risk of extinction in Wales. 

Many species are disappearing from places where they were once common, and the habitats they depend on are becoming smaller, more fragmented, and more degraded. Climate change, pollution, and unsustainable land use are all intensifying these pressures.  

But through our continued work and collaborations, we know that when given space to recover, nature can and does bounce back. The question we face now is whether the next Senedd will have the ambition, leadership, and commitment needed to turn the tide.  

Why the Senedd matters for nature 

Decisions made by the Senedd shape almost every aspect of nature’s future in Wales. From how land and seas are managed, to how farming is supported, to how planning decisions are made, the policies agreed in Cardiff Bay have real, lasting impacts on nature and on people’s lives.  

The next Senedd will also be elected under a new electoral system with new constituencies and more Members who will all be voted in through proportional representation. 

This means every vote will count so you can vote with your heart rather than tactical voting of the past. This change is designed to strengthen democracy and scrutiny, and it comes at a time when we need long-term thinking more than ever. Nature recovery does not happen overnight. It requires consistency, investment, and political will over many years. 

The choices made in the next term of the Senedd will shape Wales for generations.

Why nature matters to people  

Sometimes nature is still talked about as a “nice to have”, something separate from the things that “really matter”. But nothing could be further from the truth.  

Nature protects our communities by storing carbon, massively reducing flood risk, and helping us adapt to a changing climate with more extreme weather events.   

Nature supports jobs and livelihoods, from farming and fisheries to tourism and the growing green economy.  

Nature underpins our health and wellbeing. Access to green and blue spaces improves mental health, supports physical activity, and helps reduce health inequalities.   

Nature is also about identity and belonging. Our landscapes and wildlife shape our culture, our language, and our sense of place. Protecting nature means protecting what makes Wales, Wales.  

When nature declines, communities feel the consequences. When nature thrives, everyone benefits.  

Why this election is different  

This election matters because the pressures facing nature are growing, but so too are the opportunities. Wales has the potential to lead on nature recovery, showing how protecting wildlife can go hand in hand with thriving communities and a resilient economy.  

But that will not happen by accident. It will only happen if nature is treated as a priority and a foundation of decision-making, not an afterthought.  

That is why Wildlife Trusts in Wales have developed a manifesto setting out what nature needs from the next Senedd. It is rooted in evidence, experience, and the work happening on the ground across Wildlife Trusts every day. It sets out practical, achievable but ambitious actions that can halt nature’s decline and start the journey towards recovery.  

Take Action for Nature  

Nature needs a voice in this election, and there are concrete steps you can take to make a difference.  

1. Tell candidates that nature matters to you. Contact your local candidates and let them know which issues are important. Share your views and experiences, so they understand the priorities of voters.
2. Make sure you are registered to vote. All residents aged 16 and over can vote in Senedd elections. Check your registration status today and encourage friends and family to do the same.
3. Turn out and vote on election day. Use your vote to send a clear message that nature is a priority. Every vote matters in shaping the next Senedd and the future of Wales’ wildlife, landscapes, and communities.  

By speaking up and voting, you are standing for clean rivers, thriving wildlife, resilient communities, and a healthy and resilient Wales for future generations of all species, including our own.  

Tell candidates that nature matters.
Together, we can turn the tide.