Speaking up for wildlife in the Scottish, Welsh and English elections

The upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales and England are a vital chance to speak up for nature.

The UK is home to rare and outstanding wildlife, but it is not doing well. Many of our cherished species are at risk. Habitats are vanishing, food for some of our wildlife is becoming scarce, and climate change is an ongoing threat.

But there is so much we can do to bring nature back from the brink.

These elections are an important moment to show politicians people care about nature - and want them to take urgent action to save it. If we speak up, together we can have a powerful impact.  

Nature can’t vote in these elections, but you can.

The Scottish election on 7 May will see 129 MSPs elected to Holyrood.

Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most iconic species, from Golden Eagles soaring over mountain ridges, to Red Squirrels scampering in ancient woodlands. But much of this incredible wildlife is under threat.

More than 800 species, including Puffins and Wildcats, are at risk of disappearing from Scotland altogether. But there’s still hope, we can turn the tide on biodiversity loss.

The Welsh election on 7 May will elect 96 members to the Senedd.

Wales is a land of breathtaking beauty, from its rugged mountains to the wild coastlines. But nature is struggling. One in six species are at risk of national extinction in Wales. That includes wonderful Curlews, which could be lost as a breeding species here in just eight years if we don’t act.  

There are big challenges ahead, but we have the solutions.

The local elections on 7 May will decide the make-up of many councils in England. Around 5,000 seats will be decided in 136 areas.

Councils have an important role to play in restoring nature in local areas. Here are some of the things you can ask your local authority to do for wildlife:

• Restore green spaces to create wildlife habitats
• Create nature corridors, allowing wildlife to move safely from place to place
• Ensure all development is nature-friendly
• Reduce grass cutting to allow wildflowers to bloom, and insects to thrive
• Become pesticide free, giving pollinators a lifeline

Find out more about getting your local authority and local representatives to help nature.

You can vote in person by attending your local polling station, by postal vote, or by nominating someone on your behalf (known as a proxy).

In Scotland and Wales you must be 16 or older to vote, while in England you must be 18.

The deadline for registering to vote is Monday 20 April.