£6m in rewilding fund to help threatened UK species
The Wildlife Trusts’ rewilding programme has received £6m in funding for it’s scheme Transforming Nature’s Recovery, designed to help the government fulfil its commitment to protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Ecological Restoration Fund, which supports organisations worldwide to protect biodiverse areas and support the recovery of nature, has contributed £6m to help it achieve its goals.
The latest State of Nature report shows 15% of UK species are threatened with extinction and more than 40% are in decline, creating a knock-on effect for the wider ecosystem.
The Wildlife Trusts plans to reintroduce several keystone herbivores, including beavers, highland cows and Exmoor ponies.
Daniel Hotz, chair of the Ecological Restoration Fund, says: “Recognising that our collective futures are intrinsically bound to the health of our environment, the urgency to address the UK’s troubling species decline and habitat degradation is paramount.
“By knitting together and rejuvenating wild spaces, we’re not only creating richer habitats for wildlife but also bringing tangible benefits to local communities.”
The Wildlife Trusts says £56bn is needed to realise its nature recovery goals.