We in Westcott are so fortunate to have so much countryside on our doorstep and I’m sure many of us take advantage of it, enjoying walks up on to Ranmore and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, all is not well with the state of our wildlife and nature. Research tells us that Surrey is facing a significant biodiversity crisis, with alarming rates of species decline and extinction.
Current Status of Species in Surrey
According to Surrey Wildlife Trust one third of the county’s species are now either extinct or in danger of extinction, including several bee species. The State of Surrey’s Nature report highlighted that, in 2017, 34% of invertebrates in Surrey were already extinct or heading towards extinction (Surrey Wildlife Trust, 2024. There is a fine balance in nature and when it is thrown out of kilter, other species suffer too. It is no surprise then that bird species will also be affected as insect and invertebrate populations decline. The lesser spotted woodpecker and yellowhammer are among two birds currently experiencing severe population decline, along with hedgehogs and the hazel dormouse.
Causes of Species Extinction
Some of the primary drivers of species extinction in Surrey are habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. Urbanisation and agricultural expansion have led to the destruction of natural habitats, such as woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. Habitats become fragmented and isolated from one another, making it difficult for wildlife to reproduce and survive (Surrey Wildlife Trust, 2024).
Climate change has made these issues worse, with even slight changes in temperature and rainfall patterns having huge impacts of the availability of food and water, which in turn alter breeding cycles and make species vulnerable to disease (Natural History Museum 2024). Pollution from pesticides and industrial activities contaminates soil and water, further threatening wildlife. Additionally, invasive species compete for resources with native flora and fauna, leading to further declines in biodiversity (Natural History Museum, 2024).
Efforts to Mitigate Species Extinction
There are several initiatives underway to combat the extinction crisis in Surrey. The Surrey Wildlife Trust is aiming to protect 30% of land and sea for nature recovery by 2030. They are working closely with local councils, landowners and community groups to create diverse wildlife rich habitats along the North Downs, where they are hoping to restore the chalk grasslands, vital for some butterfly species.
Efforts are also being made to improve the ecological health of Surrey’s rivers and wetlands which support the European eel which is currently another critically endangered species. They are hoping to improve water quality, remove the barriers to fish migration and restore natural river courses.
Public awareness and community involvement are crucial for the success of these conservation efforts. There are many local groups around who care deeply for the environment and are committed to making a difference within their communities. Educational programs and citizen science projects such as wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration activities can be found across Surrey, with groups such as: Surrey Hills National Landscape; Surrey Wildlife Trust; and River Mole River Watch.
Conclusion
The extinction of species in Surrey is a pressing environmental issue that requires immediate and sustained action Protecting and restoring Surrey’s natural habitats is essential for preserving its unique biodiversity and ensuring the health and well-being of its ecosystems.
Through concerted conservation efforts and community engagement, there is hope for reversing these trends. But with butterfly population levels being the worst ever recorded this year (Butterfly Conservation, 2024), I will leave you with the sobering words of Dr Fox from Butterfly Conservation who implores us by saying:
“Butterflies are a key indicator species; when they are in trouble we know that the wider environment is in trouble too. Nature is sounding the alarm call. We must act now if we are to turn the tide on these rapid declines and protect species for future generations.”
Nancy Lund
References
Butterfly Conservation – Available at:- https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/uk-butterfly-emergency-declared (Accessed October 2024)
Natural History Museum – Available at https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2023/september/one-in-six-species-at-risk-of-going-extinct-in-great-britain.html (Accessed October 2024)
Surrey Wildlife Trust – Available at – https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/what-we-do/campaigningWildlife/30by30#:~:text=Wildlife%20is%20disappearing%20at%20an,for%20nature’s%20recovery%20by%202030. (Accessed October 2024)
Surrey Wildlife Trust – Save Surrey’s Nature Available at https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/appeals/save-surreys-nature (Accessed October 2024)
Surrey Wildlife Trust – Urgent Action Insects – Available at: – https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/news/surrey-wildlife-trust-calls-urgent-action-insects
(Accessed October 2024)
The Great Turning
I’ve recently been listening to a podcast series featuring conversations between Joanna Macy and her student and friend Jess Serrante. The series, called ‘We are the great turning’, arose out of regular conversations discussing how to live in these times of global crisis and find paths towards a more life-sustaining society. It follows the framework of a practice, that Joanna was the originator of, called ‘The Work That Reconnects’.
The podcast series is designed to help deepen our sense of belonging in the world and bring us into greater connection with the possibilities that can arise when we come together to act in service to life. They suggest that a good way to help bring the insights from each episode alive is to form a ‘podcast club’ and, with this in mind, I would love to hear from anyone who might like to listen to and further explore the episodes together in a small group. Maybe take a listen to the start of Episode 1 and, If you would be interested in doing this, get in touch with me at info@greenwestcott.org
Jakki Phillips
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‘We are the Great Turning’ podcast available on various podcast platforms or at https://www.resources.soundstrue.com/we-are-the-great-turning-podcast/