📰 In the press
220 groups took part in our Day of Action on 18 April. Here's what the press said.
See coverage📸 Day of Action photos
We asked you to submit photos of your event and of green spaces at risk.
See the GalleryIn the press
220 groups. One message.
Our Day of Action on 18 April reached papers across the UK. Here's what they said.
The movement continues
Nature is under threat. It's time to speak up.
220 groups stood up on 18 April. With local elections on 7 May and more to come, the work doesn't stop here — stay in the loop.
Why We Must Act Now
Across the country, nature, parks and green spaces are being opened up to developers. And it's all so unnecessary. That's why we're holding a national day of action on 18th April. The government's housing target can be met twice over without touching any green spaces, by building on brownfield sites, renovating empty and dilapidated homes and repurposing office space no longer needed because of home working.
Instead, hard won protections are being weakened by deregulation - all at a time when we are already considered to be one of the most nature depleted countries on the planet.
It's all a bit daft but it means that our woodlands, parks, rivers and wildlife urgently need a visible, collective voice.
In Their Own Words
"Britain's wildlife and biodiversity are facing a once-in-a-generation threat. Less than 3 per cent of England is adequately protected for nature, and today's Day of Action shows that this isn't just a fringe concern. The British public want to see nature protected, and any politician who ignores that does so at their peril. The Green Belt was created to protect both nature and people's quality of life. We all want to see more and better housing for Britain - but not at the expense of our nature and wildlife. What we need is smarter, more creative thinking - bringing together communities, planners, scientists and developers to design homes that are affordable, future-proof and that work with nature, not against it."Chris Packham — Wildlife Broadcaster and Campaigner
"Our green spaces are under unprecedented pressure. This day of action shows that communities everywhere are ready to stand up for the places that matter to them."Rosie Pearson — Chairman, Community Planning Alliance
"There is overwhelming evidence about the value of nature and green space to people's physical and mental wellbeing. Yet time and time again we see politicians deride its importance."Sally Hayns — CEO, CIEEM
"People's access to nature has never been more important for their health and well-being, but also never been more under threat."Dave Morris — Chair, National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces
"Badgers are still among the most persecuted native wild animals, and the new planning and infrastructure bill now puts their hard-won protection at risk. That is why Badger Trust is joining a wide range of wildlife, nature, and community groups for a National Day of Action on 18 April. Together, we want to show MPs, Councillors and candidates that protecting nature and wildlife matters to voters ahead of next month's elections."Nigel Palmer — The Badger Trust
"Despite months of negative rhetoric about our wildlife, the truth is that nature continues to inspire, sustain, and unite us. We want communities to come together in a Day of Action to show local and national decision makers that nature matters."Kit Stoner — Chief Executive, Bat Conservation Trust
"Across the country, communities are alarmed about the ongoing loss of nature. Places we once thought sacred are being opened up to developers. The protections we fought for to safeguard our most precious green spaces are now at risk through Government reform and deregulation. That's why it's so important to show Government that our woods and green spaces matter to everyone."Juli Titherington — Lead Policy Advocate - Planning, The Woodland Trust
Please get involved — nature can't defend itself.
To paraphrase a famous quote…
For bad things to happen, it is only necessary for good people to do nothing.
What's Happening on April 18th
From village greens to city parks, communities are organising activities of every shape and size. Here's what you can do — or come up with your own.
Human Chains
Link arms along threatened green belt land to show solidarity and protect what matters.
Nature Walks
Guided walks to sites facing development — see firsthand what's at stake in your area.
Community Gardening
Plant trees, create mini meadows, or tend community gardens together.
Tractor Rallies
Rural communities showing support for farming land and countryside protection.
Photo Campaigns
Photograph your area at risk and send it to 10 Downing Street in a picture frame.
Coffee & Cakes
Host a morning gathering — sometimes the best activism starts with a cuppa and a conversation.
See what's happening near you.
View the Events Map
