Sheffield wildlife campaigners warn of endangered species in city as government sets nature targets UK News

Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust has warned that some species have nearly disappeared from the city and fears government moves to set legally binding targets for nature recovery have been insufficient.

The trust manages 15 nature reserves, including Greno Woods near Grenoside, Wyming Brook near Lodge Moor and Blacka Moor near Totley.

Monday marks six months since the passage of the new Environment Act – the first dedicated environmental legislation for nearly 30 years and the first time England has set legally binding targets for nature restoration.

This date will see the conclusion of consultations on the ambition of these targets – and the trust is backing a petition calling on ministers to set high figures.

The currently proposed long-term goal for nature recovery aims to have only 10% more nature by 2042 compared to 2030 levels – but campaigners say that by then nature could still have diminished, and fear that this will mean fewer wildlife by 2042 than there. is now.

Dr Nicky Rivers, Living Landscape Development Manager at Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, said: “There has never been a more important time to act for nature, but sadly the government’s goals simply don’t match. not far enough to stem the decline.

“Locally in Sheffield and Rotherham, we are witnessing the virtual disappearance of several species such as the white-clawed crayfish, the turtle dove and the water vole. Key species such as the cuckoo, ring ouzel, common nighthawk, peregrine falcon and mountain hare are threatened by disturbance and, in some cases, persecution.

“Our Sheffield Moors are internationally protected habitats that are home to important local wildlife. In particular, the South Pennine and Peak District Moors are an Area of ​​Global Importance for ‘Endangered’ Birds – one of only two sites identified as such in the UK – meaning that the level of threat to birds Important upland species are very high there and need immediate action to prevent them from being lost.

“One of the constant pressures on our wildlife resources comes from land development, such as housing, roads or industry. While some of these may offer biodiversity gains, there are many that could lead to an overall loss of wildlife or site integrity.

“Nature recovery groups in Sheffield and Rotherham are doing their part for local wildlife, but we also need the government to legislate properly through the Environment Act. We call on everyone to demand more for nature and to sign the petition.

Rebecca Pow MP, Minister for Nature Restoration and the Home Environment, said:

“We are already consulting on ambitious, world-class goals, based on the latest scientific findings.

“Through the Environment Act, we will deliver the most ambitious environmental program of any country in the world, backed by a legally binding target to halt species decline in England by 2030.

“We are committed to leaving the environment in a better state and welcome any further evidence submitted to our consultation to support this.”