The letter highlights a stark reality: decades of decline have pushed many of the ecosystems we all depend on to breaking point. Nature underpins clean water, food production, public health, and economic resilience, yet wildlife continues to disappear at an alarming rate. Without decisive action, a crisis risks becoming a catastrophe. 

We and fellow signatories are clear that strong environmental protections are not a barrier to progress. There is no credible evidence that safeguarding nature holds back growth, housing, or infrastructure. Instead, investing in nature recovery creates skilled jobs, supports farming and rural economies, improves health and wellbeing, and builds stronger, more resilient communities. 

At a pivotal moment for environmental policy, the letter urges the Government to show leadership by committing to clear Red Lines for Nature, including: 

• No further weakening of environmental protections
• No cuts to funding for environmental bodies
• Fully funded, credible plans to halt and reverse biodiversity loss 

This call comes as political attention on nature grows. On Wednesday 15 April, MPs gathered in Parliament following a House of Lords debate on the damaging impacts of bottom‑trawling on marine wildlife. MPs used the moment to press for faster, stronger action to restore nature on land and at sea. 

At Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, we know that nature is not an obstacle to progress. It is a measure of it, and restoring wildlife must sit at the heart of decisions about our future. 

Red Lines for Nature: letter to Defra