Wales has experienced serious declines in biodiversity. The State of Nature Wales Report 2023 found that one in six of our species is at risk of extinction, meaning that Wales is now one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. The facts are clear but can be overwhelming. However, there are things that each one of us can do to make our local area better for nature, ourselves, and our community.
Goal Two of Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s 2030 Strategy is that people in Radnorshire are doing all they can to support and increase the wildlife around them and help reduce the impact of climate change, with a target that one in four people in Radnorshire will be taking positive action for nature by 2030. We haven’t defined what counts as taking positive action for nature, but I believe there is a way for everyone to contribute—whether in your own garden, school, or community space. Additionally, taking action can include volunteering with a local environmental organisation, increasing your awareness of environmental topics and sharing this knowledge with others, or making changes to your consumption and lifestyle. This might mean buying second-hand, repairing clothing to extend its use, eating less (and better-quality) meat, supporting local producers, going peat-free, and car-sharing or cycling to work.
The 2023 National Survey for Wales found that 30% of people volunteered their time for a club, organisation, or cause. Volunteers are the lifeblood of many organisations, enormously increasing their impact. Volunteering is also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills, improve health and well-being, and feel part of something bigger. At Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, our volunteers are vital in helping us manage our nature reserves, deliver projects for nature’s recovery, gather data, monitor changes in wildlife, and spread awareness about our work.
