Marching for nature

On Saturday (22nd June), we joined over 60,000 people marching through central London to Parliament calling on all the UK’s political parties to Restore Nature Now.

Widespread support

The Restore Nature Now march was supported by over 350 charities, businesses and action groups, such as the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, WWF, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, Wildlife and Countryside Link, and Rewilding Britain.

Several high-profile figures attended the march including Emma Thompson, Compassion Patrons Chris Packham and Dr Amir Khan, and Compassion Visionaries Megan McCubbin and Dale Vince.

The march culminated in a rally at Parliament Square where speakers took to the stage to talk about the state of UK nature and the political action needed to improve it.

A major moment for nature

Actor and campaigner, Emma Thompson, said: “It was incredibly powerful to see so many different individuals, groups and campaigners coming together to demand that our politicians give the priority needed to nature and climate. Without radical action our natural world will continue to decline and that is a crisis that will affect us all. This is a major moment for nature and a major moment for politics. The big question is, will the next administration heed the demands of people in the UK and Restore Nature Now?”

Susie Aliband, our Senior Campaigns Manager, said: “It was fantastic to see Compassion supporters march with so many likeminded people united in their call for the need to Restore Nature Now. The sheer number of protesters shows the strength of public opinion on the need for stronger political action to tackle the nature and climate crisis. The next Government must take urgent positive action for our natural world, and it is vital politicians from all parties act now for animals, people, nature and the climate.”

Nature can’t act but we can

Speaking at the rally naturalist and broadcaster, Chris Packham said: “Our rivers may be full of sewage, but agriculture is the number one source of river pollution in the UK and also responsible for 35% of our greenhouse gas emissions. And the State of Nature reports are unambiguous - it's principally farming policies and practises that are driving declines in insects and birds…

“Over a billion animals are confined in factory farms in the UK and the number of intensive factory farms is on the rise. Since 2016 there's been a 20% increase of industrial pig and poultry units. Factory farming is the single biggest cause of animal cruelty on the planet.”

Chris closed the day by saying: “Nature can’t act but we can. Nature doesn’t have a voice but we do, so let me hear it – Restore Nature Now!”

End.It

The UK is part of a global food system. To help restore nature, you can sign our End.It petition which calls for world leaders to transform the global food system and end factory farming.