Why We’re Doing What We’re Doing…

Why was Wild & Other set up… and why are we doing what we’re doing?

Well, according to the most comprehensive report on the UK’s current biodiversity, the State of Nature 2023, the United Kingdom is one of the most nature-depleted countries on earth, and we want to do something about that.

To illustrate the problem in numbers; 146 species historically found in Great Britain are now extinct and a further 1,497 species are currently at risk of extinction. Since 1970, the distribution of 54% of flowering plant species has decreased across the country. The average distribution of species of invertebrates that contribute to the essential ecosystem function of pollination, has decreased by 18% since 1970 and species that provide vital pest control functions have decreased by 34%. Without these tiny creatures, our farms, rivers, gardens and parks will be much less productive and vibrant places.

Between 1970 and 2016 the distribution of small mammals (mice, voles and shrews – which make up a large part of the diet of barn owls) decreased on average by 29%.

Another way to think about the crisis facing us is to consider the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII). Essentially, if all human pressures and impacts were absent, the richness and abundance of species in any area would be 100%. To keep within planetary boundaries and to maintain healthy and functioning ecosystems, a BII of 90% is suggested as necessary. The UK has a BII of 42%, the lowest – by quite some margin – of the G7 countries.

These statistics, and many more numbers, stories and insights, are the motivation for doing what we’re doing at Wild & Other. In the face of something that feels immensely sad and even anxiety-inducing, we want to do something about this crisis and to try to reverse the trend – at least in one small part of the country.

There is something hopeful, beautiful and resilient in nature too, and we want to nurture and share that with others. In further posts, we’ll describe more about what those actions are and what impact we’re hoping to have.

Steve Coles
Steve is the Managing Director and one of the co-founders of Wild & Other.