What is your 'Vision for Nature'?
Now that the 2015 General Election has been and gone (just about, although the aftermath will no doubt linger a little while yet), we have a challenge for our fellow nature lovers. We'd like to invite you to take a bit of time out of your crazy schedules - to sit back for a minute, think about what YOU really want to see the next Government deliver - and to take advantage of a unique opportunity to genuinely get your voice heard...
'Vision for Nature' is a campaign by the network for young UK conservationists, known as 'A Focus on Nature', asking where young people want the natural world to be by 2050 and how we want to get there.
We know, thanks to things like the State of Nature report, that nature isn't faring well. But as well as looking back, we also need to look ahead and know where we're going. What's more, those in power today need to know that young people care about nature and wildlife and the decisions that are taken that affect it.
Vision for Nature is a campaign aimed at MPs, and later this year it will be turned into a report, setting out young people's hopes for the natural world. This report will be sent to the new Government and new MPs, asking them to take action over the next five years that can help to secure nature for young people and future generations in 50 years' time.
Right now, you can get involved by tweeting your vision using #VisionforNature and by filling in the survey, here.
We will also be holding a focus group session on behalf of A Focus on Nature so you can put your views forward in person - and chat to others in a small, informal group about your Visions for Nature. Biscuits will as ever be provided - so if you would be interested in a bit of nature therapy away from work for an hour (or even half), get in touch with us at naturenetworksheff@gmail.com to reserve a place!
For more information about A Focus on Nature (from their projects and campaigns to how to become a member) visit their website, Facebook and Twitter.
Words by Cat Stokowska
Photograph by Jasmine Corbett