On 22 June 2024, Butterfly Conservation joined over 60,000 people and more than 350 charities, action groups and other organisations to march through central London and demand that the Government Restore Nature Now.
In attendance were some familiar faces – Emma Thompson, Steve Backshall, Feargal Sharkey, and Butterfly Conservation Vice Presidents, Chris Packham and Dr Amir Khan, led the march which culminated in Parliament Square where speakers delivered rousing speeches about the state of nature in the UK and the action needed to improve it.
Also speaking up for nature were members of Butterfly Conservation’s Youth Panel. Chloe and Leanna both delivered a speech to the crowds to express what nature meant to them and why it is so vital that is protected for future generations:
“My love of nature comes from my family – it makes me think of my stepfather, who regularly tests my wildlife knowledge and tells me of the flocks of swallows he used to see on his farm when he was growing up. It makes me think of my grandmother and her beautiful garden, loved by butterflies and bumblebees. It makes me think of my nephew, who loves marine life so much that his knowledge puts mine to shame.
“It also makes me wonder what kind of natural world he will grow up to see and what further losses I will see in my lifetime, as my stepfather has during his. It makes me wonder if my future garden will see many insects at all. This is not only a personal worry of mine, but a feeling many others share too. I know so many young people like myself who are experiencing eco-anxiety and we wonder if there will be a natural world in the future for us. This is why it’s so important to me and so many others that the Government supports nature conservation action – not only for my own future, but for the future of every young person.”
The demonstration was a positive and uplifting celebration of nature but one which highlighted a very serious message – the next government must take urgent action to tackle the nature and climate crises and prevent further species decline.
Pip Gray, Campaigns Officer at Butterfly Conservation, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Restore Nature Now demonstration on 22 June. I am incredibly proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with Butterfly Conservation staff, our Youth Panel, volunteers, members, and supporters, as well as hundreds of other organisations from across the environmental sector.
“The public and the experts have spoken – the next government must act now if we are to prevent the loss of butterflies, moths and countless other species.”
What’s next?
Butterfly Conservation has released its Manifesto, which details its five urgent asks to secure a wilder, healthier future for butterflies, moths, and people:
More budget for butterflies. We need the government to double the budget for species recovery.
Take action for our landscapes. We need to improve the most important places for butterflies and moths through landscape-scale action.
Access to nature for all. The wellbeing benefits of nature need recognising – everyone should have a wild space within 15 minutes’ walk.
Ban pollinator-killing pesticides for good. Environmentally damaging neonicotinoids need banning immediately, with no exception.
Take light pollution seriously. Recognise light pollution, a huge threat to moths, as an environmental pollutant and set legally binding targets for its reduction.
To find out more and to discover how you can stand up for butterflies and moths this General Election, visit A Manifesto for Butterflies, Moths and our Environment | Butterfly Conservation (butterfly-conservation.org)
