Nature is in trouble. Not only in far-flung
places across the world, but also here in the UK. Sadly, despite
well-documented evidence of the decline in our nature, continued incidences of
wildlife crime occurring across the country and the vital importance of nature
to all parts of our society, it remains far too low on the political
agenda - even with a General Election just around the corner.
This is your chance to help
change that.
On 9 December 2014, the
RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, League Against Cruel Sports and Dr Mark Avery -
supported by Butterfly Conservation, the Ramblers and The Mammal Society -
will be heading to London to hold a Rally for Nature.
Do you love and care about wildlife?
Join us on Tuesday 9 December in London for a Rally for Nature
Next May we will have a General Election in the UK and the political parties will be looking to win your support. Unfortunately, despite the well-documented evidence of the decline of so much of our natural heritage, and cases of wildlife crime occurring right across the UK - nature and wildlife remain low on the political agenda. This is your chance to tell your MP why nature matters so much to all of us.
We want people to urge politicians to include strong commitments to nature in their 2015 manifestos.
Specifically we want action to protect and restore wildlife by...
- celebrating and defending existing laws, such as the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, which provide the foundation for nature conservation in this country;
- fully implementing these laws and ending wildlife crime so that threatened species like hen harrier are able to fly free from harm;
- legally underpinning nature's recovery by establishing a Nature and Wellbeing Act to ensure nature is at the heart of how we live and run our country, as well as establishing long-term targets and powers to help meet them.
Let's make 2015 the year that all political parties take nature seriously.
Plans for the day
We will have two sittings, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. As the sittings are based on constituency we are not able to offer you a choice of which to attend, but we will confirm your sitting in advance to help you plan your day and travel arrangements.
At each sitting we will start with tea, coffee and biscuits; then grab a seat with your fellow constituents to listen to our guest speakers and take the opportunity to ask questions. There may even be a word or two of encouragement from some friendly MPs (they don't bite, we promise!). After some more refreshments, we will gather together and walk to the Houses of Parliament, with placards in hand. Here you will meet your MP and call on them to take action.
With Christmas only a few weeks after the rally, why not make a day of it and go ice-skating in Hyde park or take a winter stroll along the riverside?
Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
We know that nature is not a luxury
We need it for our health, wellbeing, inspiration and economy.
We know that wildlife needs our protection.
Now it is time we let our politicians know too.
This event is also supported by Butterfly Conservation, the Ramblers and The Mammal Society.
Like
myself, many of you won’t be able to attend in person – it’s a working day and
it’s in London! – that’s understandable. But you can play your part too – a
really big part if enough people get involved.
Please
contact your MP, of whatever political party, and tell them that you care about
nature and you want them to act.
The partners have
made it reasonably easy for you to add your voice, below is a link
to a standard letter that you can add to or amend
Please
take five minutes to stand up for nature and use your voice to tell politicians
to do more for nature.
Laura
1 comment:
Hi there! I am planning on making a stand, taking a day off and travelling to London to support the Nature and Wellbeing Act.
My PhD was about the psychological wellbeing from group walks in natural environments. I know about the psychological benefits from nature, which is one of the reasons the Nature and Wellbeing Act exists.
I'd prefer to not to go to the Rally alone. Is anyone else going from Liverpool?
-Melissa
Post a Comment