WLT’s focus on places with the greatest biodiversity means the UK has not historically been part of our network. But through the generous legacy gift of WLT supporter Jane Pointer, we have come to be custodians of a small, precious slice of British nature at Kites Hill In Gloucestershire.
For WLT, it is an honour to be playing a small part in the protection of UK habitats, for it is sorely needed. Where countries worldwide have managed, on average, to keep 75% of their biodiversity, the UK only has 50% left. It is one of the most nature-depleted nations on Earth, last among the G7 group of developed countries and in the bottom 10% globally.
Although much has been lost, a wealth of wildlife continues to call this country home, with an estimated 43,000+ animal species and 9,700+ plant species. Habitats of note include the old chalk grassland of southern England – one of Western Europe’s botanically richest habitats – and Europe’s largest intact tracts of temperate rainforest, a habitat so rare only 1% of the world has the right conditions for it. Travel along the UK’s 30,000-km-long coastline and you’ll find some of the planet’s most life-abundant waters as well as Europe’s most diverse kelp groves.
There is much to be celebrated about British wildlife, and people’s power to protect it. Whether you support us from the UK or elsewhere, many options exist for you to give nature a chance back home – even as you support our partners’ projects around the world. You can lower your environmental footprint or support a local conservation project much like Kites Hill – and if you’re wondering about the sort of impact you can make, read on.
