Sir David Attenborough supports Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust's Great Big Nature Survey

Sir David Attenborough is urging Bishop’s Stortford residents to take part in Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s (HMWT) The Great Big Nature Survey.

The veteran wildlife documentary-maker, currently presenting Wild Isles on BBC One, said: “I’ve supported the wildlife trusts for the last 55 years. They’re at the heart of our national life, healing the natural world and bringing us closer to it, making wildlife accessible to those who have least.

"The wildlife trusts combine local action with national impact as part of a global vision for nature’s recovery. They are bringing wildlife back and restoring the natural world we love so much. Please support them as much as you can.”

The survey, the biggest of its kind, will paint a clearer picture of the nation’s relationship with nature, help to shape how the trust communicates on important issues and influence conversations with Government.

Ambitions also include finding out what people already do to help where they live and learning about how connected people feel with the natural world.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world – currently:

• 53% of native plants have declined due to farming and climate change
• 41% of all wildlife has declined in abundance since 1970
• 26% of mammals, including hedgehogs and water voles, are at risk of extinction

The survey raises thought-provoking questions, for example:

• Why does nature matter to you, if it does at all?
• Who do you think should be tasked with looking after nature?
• What have you done recently to spend time in nature or to protect it?

It takes about 15 minutes to complete at https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/great-big-nature-survey.

Emma Norrington, development director at HMWT, said: “I want to stress that this survey is for everyone – it's not just for our supporters and nature lovers. We want all voices to be heard, all issues to be understood and all those who take part to feel empowered.”

HMWT works with more than 600 volunteers to care for over 40 nature reserves, including Thorley Wash, a 17.3-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest south of Bishop's Stortford. It was formerly a flood pound for the Stort Navigation which was decommissioned in 2004 to become a wildlife sanctuary.