Restoring and conserving our view of conservation and restoration

On Wildlife Conservation Day, we should remind ourselves of the seriousness of the UK's wildlife crisis, and re-think what conservation means.

Molly Watson
4th December 2021
Conservation covers all manner of different species, including the smallest of birds. Image: Molly Watson
Today is World Wildlife Conservation Day. When someone mentions wildlife conservation, it’s likely that images of cute, charismatic creatures such as giant pandas, snow leopards, or polar bears come to mind. But we often forget about those slightly less fluffy animals, and the importance of ecological networks (more on that later!).

The reality is that the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries on the planet. Humans have been manipulating this landscape for thousands of years through farming, urbanisation, and industrialisation. So, what can we do about it? Well, the chances are that if you ask someone this, they’ll fire back the term “conservation” at you. So, what does this actually mean within the context of the UK?

A deer jumping through some grass
Britain is home to some beautiful wildlife, which is under threat if conservation actions aren't taken. Image: Molly Watson

Conservation refers to the preservation and restoration of habitats, ecosystems and the animals that live in them. But here we run into a problem… restoration. In the UK, wolves went extinct in the 16th century, and we would have to go back to the early medieval period (1500 years ago) to find bears. As for aurochs (wild cattle), you would have to go back even further to the bronze age. So how far back in time do you look when thinking about restoration?

Image: Molly Watson

This is where ecological networks and ecosystem services come in. All species operate within an ecological network – a web of interactions mapping out which creatures depend on one another to survive. The most robust species will be dependent on many other organisms in the network, so if one goes extinct or their populations decline, they can turn to another source, meaning that each species within the network has a function. Fully functional ecological networks provide ecosystem services.

Image: Molly Watson

Ecosystem services refer to the benefits humans can obtain from a healthy environment. Examples include pollination, natural pest management and carbon sequestration. This term was first developed to help policy makers understand the value of nature and provide a direct link between human wellbeing and environmental health. So, thinking about restoration from a functional perspective can be really helpful.

Image: Molly Watson

Countries which have had slower rates of development often only need to think about reversing regional extinctions or reintroducing animals which are at the top of the food chain to maintain their ecosystem services, for example reintroduction of the jaguar in Corrientes, Argentina. The great tragedy of the UK is that we have reached such a state of natural decline that we have to reintroduce fauna from the bottom of the food chain, like the pine hoverfly in Scotland, before we can think about restoring larger creatures.

Image: Molly Watson

Sadly, this is still a massive simplification of the issue, as we haven’t even considered the role of plant communities. So, what can you or I do to help conservation efforts, and prevent the 6th mass extinction event in world history?

Image: Molly Watson

Well, the simple value of understanding is often underestimated. Be it the appreciation of the intrinsic value of a species, to looking at the UK’s perfect rolling green hills whilst on the train home for Christmas and recognising this green (perennial rye grass!) just isn’t diverse enough to support all the species we need. If we are informed and appreciate true nature, there is a lot our generation can do to enact positive change when it comes to everyday choices.

Image: Molly Watson

In terms of larger scale change, staying politically aware of new green policies and getting in touch with your local MP can really push the movement forward. You could also consider volunteering for or donating to a local wildlife charity or organisation, such as the Northumberland Natural History Society or the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

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