Welcome

Last year closed with a promising landmark agreement at the UN Biodiversity Conference –to protect 30% of the planet for nature by 2030, thereby halting and reversing the loss of nature. The coming years will be critical in avoiding the million species of plant and animal identified as threatened from going extinct. BBOWT has a bold plan to lead action on the ground locally, and it’s already well underway.

We have a vision for More Nature Everywhere and 30% of land well-managed for nature by 2030. We are in step with international and UK targets and have a hunch that this is a breakthrough moment for nature’s recovery.

Domestic legislation continues to be shaped across agriculture and the environment, giving on the one hand through enhanced targets, and taking with the other – for example in granting the use of bee-killing neonicotinoids! This is a government at odds with itself and most of civil society, including businesses who are desperately calling for guidance on their role in helping the planet recover from decades of destruction.

You can read more about our 30% by 2030 target on page 12. We are putting increasing energy and investment into turning plans into action, working in partnership with landowners to join up vital habitats and corridors for wildlife.

In other news, a major review of evidence by The Wildlife Trusts has uncovered some shoddy accounting by HS2 Ltd. Its claims of ‘no net loss’ of wildlife are, frankly, not true and we need you to bring this to the attention of Government. Find out how on page 15.

Rest assured BBOWT is working with other conservation organisations, landowners, and decision makers to deliver a more promising future. We are combining a global outlook with local action and impact. Your support is also hugely appreciated because as a member you too are helping us shape that greener, more wildlife-filled future.

Wild Berks, Bucks & Oxon is the membership magazine for Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust

Contact 01865 775476, info@bbowt.org.uk

Membership 01865 788300, membership@bbowt.org.uk

Address The Lodge, 1 Armstrong Road, Littlemore, Oxford OX4 4XT Website www.bbowt.org.uk

President Steve Backshall

Chair George Levvy

Chief Executive Estelle Bailey

Wherever you are in the country your Wildlife Trust is standing up for wildlife and wild places in your area and bringing people closer to nature.

Wild Berks, Bucks & Oxon brought to you by Editor Ben Vanheems

UK Consultant Editor Tom Hibbert

UK Consultant Designer Ben Cook

Design Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Design Studio

Print CKN Print Ltd

Cover Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION