Britain's wildlife crisis

Recent State of Nature report warns that one in six species in the UK are at risk of extinction

- Simon Birch

The latest and most comprehensive audit of Britain’s wildlife reveals that the country is still in the grip of a biodiversity crisis, compounding its position as one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries.

Compiled by more than 60 research and conservation organisations, the State of Nature report reviewed 10,000 species and found that around one in six are threatened with extinction in the UK. The turtle dove, the hazel dormouse and the European eel are among those at risk. Intensive farming and the continuing effects of climate change were noted as the two biggest drivers of nature loss.