The National Conversation

To kick off the People's Plan for Nature, we asked you to have your say on why our nature is so special and what we can do to protect it. In just four weeks there were 30,000 responses from people sharing their thoughts and ideas online and at events at Future Art Centres all over the UK. These ideas fed into the themes and subjects discussed at The People’s Assembly for Nature

What you love about nature and what you think would be different in a future where nature thrives

Examples you have seen of people working together to restore and protect nature in the UK

Here's what you had to say

Imagine it's 2050 and nature in the UK is thriving. What is different from now?

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29/09/2022
Ruth Doyle
England
Government cares about nature and keeps it central to its plans.
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07/10/2022
Catherine
If we are still here in 2050 it will be a miracle. Our house is a bit near the water, and practically every homeowner except us has bricked, tarmac’d or put resin on their paths and drives *because weeding is inconvenient” or “we are scared of falling on gravel” or “ it looks so neat”…
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08/10/2022
Anne
Definitely agree. Govt should be providing solutions and support for nature, not destroying it
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08/10/2022
Amanda Sykes
Yep! If Government don’t back the changes required..it’s all pointless 🙄
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08/10/2022
Irene
Agree but we have to get governments of all parties to embed nature in their plans rather than just saying they care but not acting as though they do. Local plans are also important as the central government can’t do everything
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09/10/2022
The government must continue to support and protect nature as economy depends upon everything that
nature provides - from food production to clean air and water,
and so much more. A commitment to stop developers polluting and poisoning important wildlife sites.
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09/10/2022
Gillian
Stop uprooting of hedgerows and trees. They are the natural corridors for wild animals and birds. Ban the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers that are destroying the soil and wildlife.
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09/10/2022
Gillian
Very much agree with this but it has to apply to everyone including people who own vast tracts of land including grouse moors etc.
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09/10/2022
Charlotte
It's essential for governments to provide the laws and the incentives for everyone to do the right thing by nature. The outlook for life on Earth is bleak if they don't.
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09/10/2022
Kenneth
Our environment in more important now than it has ever been. As more and more pressure is put on every nature provides a means of dealing with that pressure.
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09/10/2022
Andrea
Environmental protection becomes an integral part of this country’s constitution. We rely mainly on renewables and our territory is protected, cherished.
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10/10/2022
Chris
How I wish it would. Democratic public pressure will always be required to ensure the government of the day does not seek short term economic gains at the expense of the environment and nature.
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10/10/2022
Peter
Absolutely, govt is central to the environment
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10/10/2022
Sarah
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10/10/2022
Elaine
Totally agree- we can’t thrive if nature isn’t.
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11/10/2022
Anne
Abandon the idea of ‘growth’ unless it has roots, seeds and fruit. We don’t need investment zones. We need rewilded zones. And open up ‘open spaces’ for us all. Let us in, not ‘kept out!’
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12/10/2022
Liz
It’s important than everyone takes responsibility for themselves as well as trying to educate friends and family and backing local and government initiatives. Most importantly educate your children, their involvement is key!
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12/10/2022
Miriam
Agree that pressure must be applied to government to ensure nature and sustainability is at the forefront of plans.
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12/10/2022
Thaís
That would make a massive difference and I just wish that the Green Party was stronger in the UK. I do not think the other parties have thought beyond growth or are willing to accept there is a cost associated to growth which is environmental.
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12/10/2022
Gavin
We won’t get a Government that will follow this path until there is sufficient society change to get the numbers required to vote in MPs who have the same ethos. We need more publicity to get the numbers of people much, much higher.
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12/10/2022
Linda
Yes absolutely the government must be more caring of nature.
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12/10/2022
Olesya
No animal grazing fields and the areas are instead rewilded.
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12/10/2022
Gill Hermes
Has to be led by government. The carrot and stick can only be implemented by those at the top. They have to think longer than 5 years in term, which unfortunately is all Torys think about
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13/10/2022
David
The government needs to get the Environment Bill passed ASAP, with no "diluting" - probably needs strengthening. Also, stronger enforcement and penalties against the water companies "crimes" is needed.
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13/10/2022
Anne
Climate change needs to be central to government plans as it will have positive effects for all nature
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13/10/2022
Kevin Pressland
Government policies largely continue a business as usual approach and nature and future generations are clearly down the scale in priorities. There is alote of Greenwash and I have experienced this in my work in local.fovernment
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13/10/2022
Yvonne
I agree. We need more government backing and they should be more concerned with restoring nature. Without this we don’t have anything.

I would also like to see a massive reduction in plastics, especially packaging…and more clean up initiatives.
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13/10/2022
Tina
It's our world and future. Not to keep nature central makes no sense at all.
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14/10/2022
Alison
It would be wonderful to see the next generation benefitting from watching wildlife in woods, along rivers and in large woodlands in the knowledge that they are safe and protected by the government.
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14/10/2022
Vanessa
Do we have a government that cares about nature? It worries me that so many environmental protections seem likely to be ditched. It is indeed ONLY at governmental levels that significant impact can be made.
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14/10/2022
Lesley
Agree
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14/10/2022
Alan darnell
The government need to prioritize environmental issues over commercial profits
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14/10/2022
John
More inyervention by the Public thro education
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15/10/2022
Jan
Absolutely essential.
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15/10/2022
Richard
Absolutely essential, but the lead will need to come from the people.
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15/10/2022
Ron
Stop all the building work everywhere and let's have more greenary and nature 🇬🇧🍀☘
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16/10/2022
Teresa Ellison
Agree
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16/10/2022
Sue
I agree. The people in power have to recognise the terrible state our planet is in and put caring for nature over making obscene profits
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16/10/2022
Sally
We are told to 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' - the government should take this advice! REDUCE/Stop building, REUSE old buildings-turn into green homes, RECYCLE derelict buildings and wasteland into PROTECTED nature reserves and places where we can see and find out about green ways to improve our way of living! Those 3 little words should be how the government think before doing anything!
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16/10/2022
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16/10/2022
Lord Stephen
I think nature is like a pair of lungs if you kill the lungs you
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16/10/2022
Nikki
Bees I would miss the most as we wouldn't have nice food to eat
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17/10/2022
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18/10/2022
Lynne McNulty
Essential - if only
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18/10/2022
Anna Cronin
I really agree with Bill. The more we do locally the more politicians can't ignore us - even if they label us "anti growth", they just draw attention to the rightness of our cause!
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19/10/2022
Spot on. This is exactly what needs to where all decisions come from.
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19/10/2022
Lorraine
Agree
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20/10/2022
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21/10/2022
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21/10/2022
Catherine
Great thought. The government should stick to its promises.
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21/10/2022
Anonymous:
It would make a huge difference if the majority in government cared about nature and our beautiful habits that are home to our wondrous wildlife, and put nature before profit.
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Imagine it's 2050 and nature in the UK is thriving. What is different from now?

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28/09/2022
Anonymous:
More biodiversity and protection for habitats
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30/09/2022
Elizabeth
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30/09/2022
Christina Downey
Locally- less mowing everywhere, more wildflowers and insects. Larger hedges with trees and thriving bird populations. Nationally - National Parks that are properly managed for wildlife and biodiversity.
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30/09/2022
Anonymous:
Plant corridors for insects and animals. Reduce mono culture farming. Support small holdings and composting in cities
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30/09/2022
Nina
Ban the cutting down of trees and hedges in nesting time, which runs pretty much from February to October. This will help restore both bird and insect populations.
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30/09/2022
Martine
Stop homeowners from concreting over their gardens with resulting loss in biodiversity
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30/09/2022
Roger
Connecting habitats and wildlife corridors in towns and country.
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30/09/2022
Pamela
Agree, protection of nature must be prioritised at all levels of production and action taken to rectify damage done so far.
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30/09/2022
sara allerton
it will take extremely drastic measures and extremely urgently to remove introduced species and stop constant interference with nature - that this could be achieved by 2050 i sincerely doubt but wish that it would happen as it is vital to our health and the health of our land and crops
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30/09/2022
lynsey howell it's a no brainer without this measure all else fails this is the foundation stone upon which all other efforts rest
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30/09/2022
Anonymous:
I’ve had an idea of making motorways green by creating corridors of trees and plants alongside and in very teal reservations. Some countries do this. Also in long term, thought about creating massive green tunnels for motorways with living roofs so we hide cars altogether!
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30/09/2022
Joe
Unfortunately our current government seems to have deeply opposing priorities. They are willing anf sadly now able to deregulate protections for habitats and species. This should not and more to the point cannot be allowed to happen. Please add your voice by contacting your local MP to tell them how strongly you oppose this move. If they fail to listen then use your power to remove them at the next general election.
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30/09/2022
Judi Davenport
Enshrine within a law that cannot be revoked all the protected areas we currently have and add to it more areas
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30/09/2022
Laura
Increasing biodiversity with more trees and green spaces with pollinators in cities so that the links between urban and rural is increased and as result nature can thrive. Rural biodiversity is key as well so reducing all insecticides and pesticides and farming in harmony with nature that our soils become rich again.
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30/09/2022
Gersldine
I agree
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30/09/2022
Sylvia
I totally agree with all this.
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30/09/2022
Emoke Kolumban
Yes, Absolutely! I hope that will happen in the future.
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30/09/2022
Audrey Youngman
Love the idea of green corridors for insects and wild life.
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30/09/2022
Graene
Completely agree with all the comment. Hedgerows need to be manaed better for wildlife.Flailing should be banned. Any spare areas should be used to re-introduce lost wildflower and concentrate on foodplants and not just nectar. Farms should be further empowered to help protect wildlife. Maybe intorduce a wildlife friendly farm assured sticker monitored by wildlife groups?
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30/09/2022
Katie
This is essential
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30/09/2022
Amanda
We want flocks of birds without number, butterflies in every bush, wild flowers everywhere, lynx prowling the forests, wild cats hiding in the shadows, white storks circling overhead and turtle doves purring in every hedge. Oh! And the nights full of nightingale song
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30/09/2022
Anne
Definitely more protection for habitats - let’s end the endless destruction of ancient woodland.
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30/09/2022
Steph
Less mowing, more native plants and shrubs—coordinated regionally to give birds and pollinators safe places to rest as they travel.
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01/10/2022
John
Collars on cats with a bell. Love em or not they are devastating wildlife. Stretchy collars will keep them safe but make enough noise to give creatures a chance. Stop importing exotic animals from around the world.
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01/10/2022
Lorna
Got my vote
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01/10/2022
Christopher
Totally support this aim.
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01/10/2022
Alison
Totally agree. Less is definitely more when it comes to mowing.
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01/10/2022
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01/10/2022
NEIL
More enforcement and legislation to ensure farmland and rural countryside is being protected. More hedgegrows native trees and wildlife corridors. If the farming community can't be bothered to safeguard nature, what chance do the cities have?
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01/10/2022
Francis
Fully agree - especially for SSSIs which are in need of substantial help
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01/10/2022
Patricia
Stop highways & railways felling trees
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01/10/2022
Vanessa
Yes, yes and yes to all of these ideas. It's heartening to read how much people care. Without nature I would cease to exist. It is fundamental to my wellbeing.
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01/10/2022
Complete change of people's attitudes so Nature now comes first for everyone.
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01/10/2022
James
Absolutely - we need protection that protects - the protection for example given to birds of prey is a farce and we need real deeterents along side education to make peole value everything from Harriers to tadpoles Ban all tree felling unless PROVEN dangerous we can not wait 50 years to grow more we need to conserve waht we have. All trees must be protected and prosecutions for those who destroy them. Ponds heaths moors estuaries all need protection this begins by halting population growth - which is unsustainable - and making sure Nature has a place to exist
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01/10/2022
Anonymous:
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01/10/2022
Helen
Plant more trees, use roadside verges as wildlife havens
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01/10/2022
absolutly the right thing to do
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01/10/2022
Sylvia
Reduce the mowing of verges and make it illegal to cut hedges more than every 5 years. Also make it illegal to dig up a hedge. Make farmers leave strips of land around and through there fields that are left to grow native flowers and grasses.
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01/10/2022
Christina
Less cutting the grass, who cares if the motorway verges are neatly mown . More wildflower areas.
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01/10/2022
Paul Baldry
ONCE A WILDLIFE AREA IS CREATED, NO MATTER, WHO, NO MATTER WHAT, IT CAN NEVER, EVER BE CHANGED, IT WILL REMAIN A WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREA, PERIOD.
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01/10/2022
Carol
Yes!!!!
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02/10/2022
Planning applications for SSSIs should not be allowed
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02/10/2022
Rosie Mackenzie
Any farmer using destructive practices should lose the right to own land.
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02/10/2022
Rosie Mackenzie
Access to nature should be basic human right.
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02/10/2022
Sarah
Ban astroturf!
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02/10/2022
Polly:
This needs to happen NOW not sometime in the future! Banning the cutting down of trees and hedges during nesting times February-October with heavy fines in place for any that ignore this.
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03/10/2022
Paula
Discourage the use of plastic grass, which seems to be increasing in popularity.
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03/10/2022
Lisa
More restrictions and checks on cutting down and removing trees, hedges and gardens.
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03/10/2022
Maria
Stop fighting and controlling nature. Don’t let developers net hedges and trees. Don’t let them remove hedges and trees when developing land. Make them integrate new build into existing landscapes
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03/10/2022
Caroline
We need protections in place that cannot be removed by the government
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03/10/2022
Caroline
We need laws that protect nature that are enforced cannot be removed by governments or individuals. Ecocide should be taken seriously
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