The present issue
Over the past 50 years, there has been a drastic loss in the global wildlife population that will gradually get worse. Currently, an estimated 200 species have been lost in the UK.
Bird populations are the typical animals that we use to provide an indication of the broader state of wildlife. Greater Manchester is home to many birds, however, it is one of the main areas in the UK to see the decline in their population. Between 1980-2011, Greater Manchester has seen a decline in farmland, woodland, moorland and wetland birds. Sparrows, for example, have declined by nearly 71% since 1977.
The population trends for mammals around the UK are less well documented, particularly around Manchester. This means we are reliant on the data from the whole of the North West. Between 1996-2018, the UK has seen a 64% decline in rabbits. Over half of the rabbit population has disappeared (both due to habitat change and diseases). A study led by the University of Manchester in 2023 identified that mammal species are being pushed to their ecological limits in areas where they are unlikely to thrive. The study found that 75% of mammal species were pushed toward temperature or precipitation extremes, with the shifts gradually getting worse as these species lose more land. This shift is called ecological marginalisation, and it occurs because areas that are good for agriculture, rangelands and human settlements are being converted to human use, leading to natural habitats being restricted to areas humans do not want. This results in poor habitats that affect species’ ability to survive and reproduce.
In 2014, fish in the River Irwell in Salford died from pollution. The pollution was caused by Tesco, who were fined £8 million for leaking diesel into the river.
Human activity such as farming, urbanisation and pollution is affecting climate change and killing habitats and species, both on and off land. By continuing to build up areas and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, humans are causing this wildlife decline which, in turn, affects our ecosystems and our survival.
The positive wildlife news
There is some good news to be had as well, as groups of people are trying to reverse the trend:
- In 2017, the Environment Agency released 8000 fish into the River Irwell
- The Lancashire Wildlife Trust are helping to restore the river with their Kingfisher Trail
- The Manchester Argus Butterfly (also called ‘Large Heath’) has returned through reintroduction by the Great Manchester Wetlands Species Reintroduction Project on Astley Moss
What can I do to help?
There are protected spaces around the country for wildlife that provide vital refuge for species. These are beautiful spaces for all to enjoy where you can go on a stroll with your family, a friend, or somewhere simply for you to enjoy some time for yourself. Not only does this benefit you, you could be helping to save those species that are declining and need a space of refuge, simply by increasing visitor numbers and showing authorities that these areas are important. National Trust areas are a great place to start. Most places are free entry, however you can decide to become a member for special walks and exhibitions, discounts and more. Alternatively, you can donate however much you want, whenever you want. Whatever you decide, every little helps. Have a look through the link below and see what you fancy.
thttps://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
“It’s not too late to save our wildlife, but we must act together”
- Sir David Attenborough
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