The Trust was delighted to have a number of representatives attending the Restore Nature Now march in London on Saturday 22 June, 2024. Staff members Tom, Ruby, Martina and Dorinda headed to London with a range of fantastic and inspirational placards, which had been designed and produced by the Trust’s young conservation ranger volunteers.

The Durham Wildlife Trust representatives joined an estimated 60,000+ people and more than 350 charities, businesses and action groups to walk together through central London to parliament.

The march is thought to have been the biggest public demonstration in the General Election run-up and shows the strength of public opinion on the need for stronger political action to tackle the nature and climate crisis.

Ruby Merriman, Bluespaces Delivery Manager, said: “It was great to represent Durham Wildlife Trust at the march on Saturday and see so many other people joining together to march for nature. The event gave an overwhelming sense that we are not alone in this fight for our natural world.”

The campaigners supporting the Restore Nature Now march have issued 5 main challenges to politicians on the action needed for nature:

• A pay rise for nature - the nature and climate-friendly farming budget doubled.
• Make polluters pay - new rules to make polluters contribute to nature and climate recovery
• More space for nature - to expand and improve protected areas, and ensure public land and National Parks contribute more to recovery.
• A right to a healthy environment - an Environmental Rights Bill, which would drive better decisions for nature, improve public health and access to high-quality nature.
• Fair and effective climate action - increasing home energy efficiency, supporting active travel and public transport, and replacing polluting fossil fuels with affordable renewables.

Environment groups are encouraging members of the public to get involved and raise nature and climate issues with political candidates during the election – find out more at www.restorenaturenow.com.