Keeping nature positive

With Stuart McCarthy-Thompson, Communications and Campaigns Manager

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ALWAYS feel fortunate to have made a career from my hobby. Spending time in nature nourishes me and makes for an enjoyable working day.

We can’t deny that there is a lot of pressure on nature right now, which has not been helped by the UK Government's lousy Planning and Infrastructure Bill being bulldozed through, stripping away vital protection for species and habitats. The ‘build baby build’ rhetoric and debunked notion that nature is impeding growth are creating a narrative that nature exists in isolation - it’s ‘nature or’ rather than ‘nature and’

At the same time, a recent study at the University of Derby suggested that we are losing our connection with nature, and this will continue unless we make societal and policy changes. There is potential for the ‘extinction of experience,’ with fewer people spending time in nature.

Yet, amid the gloom, I see and feel inspired by the actions being taken in our communities to promote a nature positive future and to hold decision makers to account.

Contacting your local MP