Save Britain's Bees, Animals and Wildlife

Nature supports every part of life

Bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other insects pollinate plants. Birds and mammals spread seeds. Worms and soil organisms help maintain fertile land. Wetlands store water, while trees and hedgerows provide shelter, food and safe wildlife corridors.

When habitats are destroyed or polluted, the damage can spread through the whole ecosystem. A fall in insect life affects birds, mammals, food production and plant reproduction.

Right First Time UK is calling for evidence-based action, transparent reporting and practical protection for nature and animals.

Average UK species abundance

The abundance of 753 monitored terrestrial and freshwater species fell by an average of 19% between 1970 and 2021.

Species threatened

Nearly one in six species assessed are threatened with extinction from Great Britain.

Pollinator distribution

The UK pollinating-insect distribution indicator was 23% lower in 2024 than in 1980. It covers bees and hoverflies.

UK butterflies

The all-species butterfly abundance index declined by 18% over the long term, from 1976 to 2024.

Farmland birds

UK farmland bird populations have fallen by nearly two-thirds over the long term since 1970.

Woodland birds

UK woodland bird populations have declined by approximately 32% over the long term.

UK seabirds

The UK seabird population indicator has declined by approximately 37% over the long term.

Specialist butterflies

UK habitat-specialist butterfly abundance declined by 39% between 1976 and 2024.

Habitat loss and fragmentation

Development, land conversion and the removal of natural features can leave wildlife with less food, shelter and connected space.

Agricultural change

Changes in grazing, cropping, field margins, hedgerows and land management can affect farmland birds, insects and wild plants.

Pesticides and chemicals

Insecticides, herbicides and rodenticides may affect target and non-target species through direct exposure, reduced food or movement through food chains.

Climate change

Warmer temperatures, drought, flooding, fires and changing seasons can alter breeding, migration, food availability and habitats.

Water pollution

Sewage, agricultural runoff, chemicals and waste can reduce water quality and damage rivers, ponds, wetlands and coastal habitats.

Litter and plastic

Wildlife can become trapped in litter or ingest plastic. Fly-tipping can damage habitats and introduce hazardous materials.

Roads and traffic

Roads separate habitats and cause direct mortality for hedgehogs, amphibians, birds, badgers and other wildlife.

Artificial light

Excessive lighting can disturb nocturnal insects, bats, migrating birds and natural feeding or breeding behaviour.

Disease and invasive species

Disease, parasites and invasive species can create additional pressure, particularly where native populations are already weak.

Protect road verges for wildlife

Calls for non-essential verge mowing to stop between April and September, while keeping safety-critical cuts exempt.

Closing date: 1 November 2026

Hold a UK-wide climate and nature briefing

Calls for a national briefing from experts on the risks caused by climate and nature breakdown.

Closing date: 20 November 2026

Water and cover for wildlife in shopping centres

Calls for outdoor shopping centres to provide sheltered areas and drinking water for animals during hot weather.

Closing date: 27 January 2027

Increase action against fly-tipping

Calls for increased penalties and better protection for farmland and nature reserves affected by fly-tipping.

Closing date: 9 August 2026

Animal cruelty policing unit

Calls for a government-backed animal cruelty unit with powers to investigate and intervene in suspected welfare offences.

Closing date: 10 August 2026

Animal abuser register and ownership ban

Calls for a public register of convicted animal abusers and an automatic lifetime ban on animal ownership.

Closing date: 12 September 2026

Database of convicted animal abusers

Calls for a national database accessible to relevant authorities, vets, charities, breeders and rehoming organisations.

Closing date: 6 August 2026

Track companion-animal euthanasia

Calls for better national records and transparency concerning the euthanasia of healthy or treatable companion animals.

Closing date: 1 November 2026

Review slaughterhouse regulation

Calls for stronger monitoring, transparency and animal-welfare protections within slaughterhouses.

Closing date: 3 December 2026

Alternatives to animal testing

Calls for animal testing to be replaced with alternative testing methodologies.

Closing date: 22 December 2026

Bees and hoverflies

Pollination, food production and wild plant reproduction.

Butterflies and moths

Pollination and an important food source for other wildlife.

Birds

Seed dispersal, insect control and indicators of habitat health.

Hedgehogs

Need connected gardens, safe roads and pesticide-free food.

Bats

Depend on insects, safe roosts, dark corridors and mature trees.

Amphibians

Need clean ponds, wetlands and safe movement between habitats.

Companion animals

Deserve responsible ownership, accessible care and protection.

Plants and soil life

Provide the foundations on which the wider ecosystem depends.

At home and in gardens

• Grow native, pesticide-free flowers.
• Provide shallow water with safe landing points.
• Leave some grass and seed heads uncut.
• Create gaps beneath fences for hedgehogs.
• Install suitable bird, bat or bee nesting features.
• Check bonfires and garden machinery before use.
• Use outdoor lighting only where needed.

Councils and public bodies

• Publish local biodiversity targets and results.
• Manage verges for safety and wildlife.
• Reduce avoidable pesticide use.
• Protect mature trees and connected habitats.
• Act quickly against pollution and fly-tipping.
• Design wildlife-safe drains and roads.
• Explain environmental spending publicly.

Farmers, developers and businesses

• Retain and restore hedgerows and field margins.
• Reduce pollution entering watercourses.
• Avoid habitat damage at the design stage.
• Create connected rather than isolated habitats.
• Reduce unnecessary lighting at night.
• Monitor outcomes rather than promised actions alone.
• Publish environmental impacts transparently.

UK Biodiversity Indicators

Official indicators covering species, habitats, pressures, conservation and public engagement.

Pollinating insects

Latest UK indicator for the distribution of bees and hoverflies.

Butterfly indicators

Long-term abundance trends for generalist and specialist butterflies.

Wild bird populations

Government statistics for farmland, woodland, wetland, upland and seabirds.

State of Nature

Major evidence-led assessment of wildlife across the United Kingdom.

England species abundance

Latest official England indicator, methodology and species coverage.

Environment Agency

Report serious pollution incidents affecting water, land or wildlife.

Wildlife crime

Government guidance covering suspected wildlife crime and reporting routes.

UK Parliament petitions

Search all open petitions and check their current status and closing date.