Nature Emergency

From sea cliffs to sand dunes, river valleys to reedbeds, ancient woodlands to limestone grasslands, and estuary edges to parks and gardens; the combined areas of Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland support a rich and varied natural heritage, including some of our most iconic and much-loved species.

However, despite this our wildlife is in crisis (opens new window), with England ranked as one of the most nature depleted countries in the world owing to historic and ongoing declines.

More locally, various factors including changes in land management, urbanisation, climate change, pollution and the spread of invasive non-native species continue to contribute to the ongoing loss of biodiversity.

However, all is not lost. Targeted conservation activity can and has achieved positive outcomes for biodiversity. By being strategic, ambitious and working together effectively, we can restore nature at scale.

A healthy natural environment rich in wildlife provides multiple benefits including improving the health and well-being of communities, tackling the effects of climate change and supporting economic growth and investment.