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Why do species matter?
The white-tailed eagle is threatened by changes in habitat and persecution, and needs to be monitored carefully
Our understanding of the huge environmental challenges we face is growing. We’re increasingly concerned about climate change and just what we stand to lose.
The natural environment provides us with so many benefits that we often take for granted. These include fresh water, food, and nutrient recycling through decay. The true value of these to every one of us is enormous. In fact, we could not survive without them.
To protect these vital natural functions, it's essential to think about managing habitats across entire landscapes. That's just what we're doing through our Futurescapes programme.
However, we believe that landscape-scale conservation must be integrated with a focus on threatened species. Some of our most vulnerable species need targeted conservation action to survive. What is a landscape without the species that belong within it?
Why should you care about species?
The simple truth is that people do care. You've only got to look at our online Community pages to see how much people enjoy wildlife. And studies are proving what we've always somehow understood – that the natural world is good for us, for our physical and mental well-being, and for our happiness.
'more species are joining the list of those in trouble than the list of those that have recovered'
Wild birds are also economically important. People want to see birds and a great way to do so is to visit a nature reserve. Direct employment, visitor spending, employment of contractors and so on all have an economic impact on an area. For example, the Isle of Mull benefits by an incredible £2 million per year from tourists who want to see the white-tailed eagles. Our Bempton Cliffs nature reserve in North Yorkshire receives 60,000 visits a year – and the local economy benefits from the equivalent of 25 full-time jobs.
Many species need help now
Many species are in urgent need of help, and more are joining the list of those in trouble than the list of those that have recovered. In times of economic uncertainty, money must be used with great care. It’s clear that some birds need help – but what is the best way to get the greatest benefit for UK birds from every penny?
What are we doing to help?
To address some of these issues, we are implementing an innovative new strategy to help UK bird species get back to a healthy conservation status. You can read more about it by downloading the Safeguarding species document from the right of this page.
What can I do?
See passion about species in action on our online community, and read blogs by our staff and volunteers to get an insight into our conservation work
Say hello to our online community
Last modified: 22 October 2010