Day of Action for Nature & Green Spaces:

Thu 16 Apr, 19:34 (last edited on Thu 16 Apr, 19:35)

On Saturday April 18th, just ahead of the local elections in May, groups and communities across the UK will be taking part in a UK-wide Day of Action for Nature, Parks and Green Spaces. The purpose is simple: to demonstrate, visibly and collectively, that people everywhere care deeply about the natural world and want to see it protected and restored. 

In Charlbury we will be teaching people how to identify and create records of the bumblebees in their gardens and our shared spaces.

There are loads of other things going on elsewhere in the country including human chains along threatened green belt land, peaceful demonstrations, nature and protest walks to sites facing development, litter picks, community gardening and community celebrations, and talks. Those participating are united in their concern about the erosion of green spaces, parks and green belt land. You can find out more about it all here 

"Our green spaces are under unprecedented pressure with Keir Starmer’s deregulation agenda. This day of action shows that communities everywhere are ready to stand up for the unnecessary destruction of places that matter to them - for wildlife, for countryside, for food, and for future generations. It is time for politicians to see how much they matter to voters. We urge people to join us to say ‘hands off’ and to vote for nature in the local elections." Rosie Pearson, Chairman, the Community Planning Alliance (CPA Events Calendar - Community Planning Alliance).

“There is overwhelming evidence about the value of nature and green space to people's physical and mental wellbeing, as well as to a thriving economy. Yet time and time again we see politicians of all parties deride its importance to our communities. This Day of Action is an opportunity to bring people together in activities to celebrate and protect what we have and demonstrate to decision-makers why we look to them to protect and improve it.” Sally Hayns, Chief Executive Officer, The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)

'People's access to nature has never been more important for their health and well-being, but also never been more under threat - from lack of effective protection and adequate resources to be properly maintained. It's no wonder that thousands of local groups have sprung up in the last 25 years to help champion, maintain and protect the green spaces they love. We call on candidates and parties standing for election in all tiers of Government to publicly commit to ensuing all such spaces will be valued and safeguarded for generations to come.' Dave Morris - Chair, National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces (NFPGS).