WILDLIFE trust chiefs have called on politicians to help after publishing a landmark report highlighting the decline of nature in the UK.

Leading wildlife organisations, including the Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust, have published a landmark State of Nature 2023 report which shows nature is declining at an alarming rate across the UK, which is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

The report shows one in six species is now at risk of being lost from Great Britain and that wildlife studied has, on average, declined by 19 per cent since monitoring began in 1970.

It also highlights how the most important habitats are in poor condition, although restoration projects can have clear benefits for nature and people.

The Wildlife Trusts are now calling on politicians across all parties to commit to an ambitious programme of policies to support nature’s recovery.

The trusts have identified five priorities they hope politicians will put at the forefront of their campaigns ahead of the next general election.

They want to see work to bring back lost wildlife, an end river pollution and water scarcity, more wildlife-friendly farming, healthy communities created by enabling people to access green spaces and an effort to tackle the climate emergency by protecting and restoring natural habitats.

Delia Garratt, chief executive of Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust, said: “Our wildlife and wild spaces are under threat from pollution, habitat loss and our changing climate.

“Here in Birmingham and the Black Country, we’ve seen a 50 per cent decline in pollinator diversity in certain areas over the last 20 years.

“We desperately need wilder and more natural areas to help wildlife recover, enable nature to adapt to climate change and create healthier, happier, and more prosperous communities.

“Nature recovery is the answer to so many social challenges and it’s up to our elected representatives to ensure that is reflected in policies ahead of the next election.”