65% of UK species that we have data for
have declined, 30% strongly in the last 50 years including more than 50% of bee
and butterfly species and iconic mammals such as the hedgehog and water vole.
These are shocking but perhaps not surprising findings in the landmark
State of Nature Report 2013 compiled by 25 UK conservation and research
organisations.
In order to reverse the decline first and
foremost we need protection of our Green spaces. There are many concerted
efforts by a range of conservation charities and none government organisations that
help ensure such protection is put in place and maintained. This is critical to
the future of our native wildlife. In order to maintain that protection we need
to ensure the stewardship of these protected areas is taken on by the next
generation – a tall order when we are competing with a plethora of computer
games, consoles, tablets and smartphones. The onus therefore has to be on
creating green spaces that are accessible not far away in some distant place, not served by public transport and only reachable by car. We need to bring
nature back into peoples lives so that children can interact with butterflies
and frogs, the hedgehogs and robins.
Why is this important? We only have to look
around to see that as a population we are experiencing increasing levels of
obesity and physical inactivity and one in four of us will experience a mental
health problem at some point in our lives. The presence of local, accessible
wildlife can encourage physical activity and help to improve health. These are
some of the facts:
1. Individuals with easy access to nature are three times more likely to participate in physical activity and 40% less likely to become overweight or obese
1. Individuals with easy access to nature are three times more likely to participate in physical activity and 40% less likely to become overweight or obese
2. People
living near moderate or high quality green space are twice as likely to report
low psychological distress than those living near low quality open spaces.
3. The simple
act of viewing nature from a window can reduce stress, increase recovery from
illness and improve concentration and mood.
4. Nature near
the home reduces the risk of crime, aggression and domestic violence.
(Source: Secret Spaces, Wildlife Trusts)
So how can Peterborough take advantage of
its natural environment and realise these benefits? The first step is to know
more about where our green spaces are and what potential they have for
wildlife. The Bristol green space-mapping project by the Wildlife Trust is a
great example of what can be achieved mapping and categorizing green spaces in
relation to potential for wildlife. In Peterborough we have 8 biodiversity
areas, 3 of which are recreation grounds and grass cutting 3 x per annum. There
is no promotion of these areas and Peterborough is a long way behind other cities in considering its
green spaces. There is a need to categorise Peterborough spatially and to
change the criteria for defining green spaces so we can encourage better
connection of wildlife corridors and people.
Let’s not feel overwhelmed by the decline
in our native wildlife. We can all help individually too. If you have a space
in a garden no matter how small you can make a difference. Even if you sink a
washing up bowl into the ground you will find frogs visiting your garden. Put a
hedgehog-sized hole in your fence to help connect feeding areas. Plant a range
of native wildflowers in an area of rough ground and the bees and butterflies
will come. Volunteer with a local community group to look after your green spaces. Better still join the Peterborough Green
Party and help us get our first green councilor elected so we can start to reverse the decline and improve the wellbeing of
Peterborough for people and wildlife.
Some top tips for hedgehogs:
Some top tips for hedgehogs:
Link
to Sate of Nature Report:
Link
to Secret Spaces Report:
To
help hedgehogs and record their presence visit the following link and become a
hedgehog champion: