State of Nature report shows devastating decline in wildlife

The UK’s wildlife is continuing to decline according to State of Nature Report 2023.

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THE UK’S CURRENT BIODIVERSITY. State of Nature uses the latest and best data from biological monitoring and recording schemes, collated by the incredible work of thousands of skilled people, most of whom are volunteers, to provide a benchmark for the status of our wildlife.

The UK, like most other countries worldwide, has seen significant loss of its plants, animals and fungi. The data from State of Nature cover, at most, 50 years but this follows on from centuries of habitat loss, development and persecution. As a result, the UK is now one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth.

But the reasons for the decline are clear and we know conservation actions deliver results for nature. We have never had a better understanding of the State of Nature and what is needed to fix it.

Across Dorset over 400 land and freshwater species recorded in the past are now thought to be extinct, about one in 40 species.  These include the pearl bordered fritillary butterfly, shrill carder bee and chough. Some 2,500 species are still present but are threatened, rare, scarce or protected.