Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Chris Packham join London rally

On Saturday, June 22, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will join thousands marching through the streets of London to call for our next elected MPs to take notice of the country's wildlife and climate crisis.

TV presenter Chris Packham, who is best known for presenting BBC's Springwatch, will join the 'Restore Nature Now' march alongside presenter Liz Bonnin, Dr Amir Khan, and over 250 nature, wildlife and climate groups.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will call on the incoming Wiltshire and Swindon MPs specifically to protect Wiltshire's chalk streams, fund wildlife-friendly farming, tackle the climate emergency and enable healthy thriving communities in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire campaigners will join thousands marching through London on June 22. (Image: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust)

"Actions taken by the next government will be crucial in delivering on national and international targets for nature and tackling climate change by 2030," said Joanna Lewis, CEO of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

“We can all be proud of Wiltshire’s precious chalk streams and stunning wildflower meadows, but much-loved species like water vole, lapwing and dormouse are being lost at an alarming rate.

"With 80 per cent of the land under agriculture, Wiltshire is a farming county and nature-friendly farmers hold the key to reversing nature’s decline.

"Our next elected MPs must ensure they are supported to manage their land for nature whilst sustainably producing healthy food and making a decent living.”

In 2024, the UK is already on track for another record-breaking year of temperatures, and so with the heat and pressures rising, campaigners hope that elected MPs will act now on the climate crisis.

"As conservationists and environmental groups, we have to accept that the dire state of nature - both in the UK and globally - has happened on our watch," added Chris Packham, TV broadcaster and Wildlife Campaigner.

"So now's the time for bolder action, stronger demands, braver tactics and a new way of working together.

"Ticking a box, signing a petition, sharing a post - it’s simply not enough when we are facing the collapse of our living systems."

According to NHS doctor Amir Khan, who is vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, the 'Restore Nature Now' rally will be legal, peaceful and inclusive with family-friendly performance art, sculptures and singing throughout.

Campaigners will meet in Park Lane, London, at midday on June 22 and march through Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and end in Parliament Square.

All Swindon and Wiltshire residents are invited to join the Wildlife Trust and travel together by train.