Chilterns Conservation Board responds to the latest State of Nature report.

With the results from the latest State of Nature report making for grim reading, the Chilterns Conservation Board reflects on what the results mean for the Chilterns AONB, how we’re responding to it and calls for additional resources to be able to deliver effectively for nature’s recovery.  

In the latest study – published yesterday – it was confirmed that the UK’s wildlife continues to decline, with one in six species being at risk of being lost from Great Britain, and most important habitats being in poor condition. However, there is a glimpse of hope showing that restoration projects can and do have clear benefits for nature and people, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.  

Prof. Kate Heppell, Head of Landscape for the Chilterns Conservation Board said: “The results from yesterday’s report are disappointing, yet not surprising. Thriving habitats and resilient, well-functioning ecosystems are needed for effective species recovery, and much of our work focuses on trying to achieve this goal. It’s good to see from the report that restoration projects are showing positive impacts on nature and people.”  

The Chilterns Conservation Board is working with its stakeholders, partners, farmers, landowners, community groups and volunteers to put measures in place that will improve our Chilterns habitats and ecosystems including:   

• Nature-friendly farming  
• Sustainably managed woodland in improved condition 
• Restoration of chalk stream ecosystems and their catchments  
• Conservation and restoration of calcareous grassland ecosystems 
• Helping to restore and create carbon-rich habitats  
• Volunteering as a means to help with pressures on nature and for mental health benefits 

Kate added, “We need to coordinate nature restoration with action that mitigates and adapts to the impact of climate change and maximises nature-based solutions. The Chilterns AONB wants to make a positive contribution to the government’s 30 x 30 target – 30% of land under effective management for nature by 2030 – but we can only achieve this if we and other Protected Landscapes are provided with greater resources.”  

To download a full copy of the State of Nature 2023 report and to find out what you can do to help, visit www.stateofnature.org.uk.