National Trust Aims for 250,000 Hectares of Nature-Rich Landscapes
The National Trust plans to create 250,000 hectares of wildlife-rich areas over the next decade, enhancing nature across the UK.
National Trust, Nature, Wildlife, Conservation, UK, Climate Change
Coventry: The National Trust is gearing up to boost its conservation game big time. They’re aiming to create a whopping 250,000 hectares of wildlife-friendly landscapes over the next ten years. That’s like transforming an area one-and-a-half times the size of Greater London into nature havens!
In the last decade, they’ve already made strides, restoring over 25,000 hectares of habitats like meadows and woodlands. But now, they’re stepping it up, including farmland that’s managed with nature in mind.
Their new strategy comes after chatting with around 70,000 folks, including members and volunteers. They’re not just focusing on wildlife; they’re also tackling issues like access to nature and cultural heritage. They want to help 100 towns and cities boost their green spaces and create new volunteering opportunities.
People will even get a chance to sponsor parts of land at special “nature super sites” that are crucial for wildlife recovery. Think places like Divis and the Black Mountain in Northern Ireland!
On top of that, the Trust is buzzing with new projects, including a BBC series with Hamza Yassin that dives into hidden wildlife gems. They’re also teaming up with Mind to support youth mental health and bringing in fresh flavors to their cafes.
In Coventry, they’re managing the ancient Charterhouse with Historic Coventry Trust, turning it into a lively community hub. Plus, Grantham House will open up with a new community space, café, and gardens for everyone to enjoy.
Hilary McGrady, the Director-General, highlighted the Trust’s long history of tackling challenges, from industrial threats to preserving stately homes. She pointed out that nature is declining rapidly, and climate change is a huge concern.
She’s all about making nature accessible to everyone, saying they’ll ramp up efforts to restore nature on their land and beyond. McGrady is determined to inspire more people to take action for the environment.
To combat biodiversity loss and climate change, the Trust is committed to restoring peatlands, improving river quality, and protecting coastal areas. These efforts will not only help the environment but also benefit communities by reducing flood risks and improving soil health.
Harry Bowell, the Director of Land and Nature, explained that they’re broadening their focus to include all kinds of nature-rich landscapes. They want to create spaces where wildlife can thrive and move freely.
He mentioned that about 70% of their 250,000-hectare goal could be met through their own land, which spans 260,000 hectares across the UK. They’re also looking to acquire more land and work with other organizations to make a real impact.
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