Residents have joined a rising wave of concern across England as conservation leaders warn that wildlife faces a “perfect storm” of threats under the Government’s “Build Baby Build” agenda.
Two of the UK’s biggest nature organisations, the RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts, say ministers are pushing ahead with major planning reforms while simultaneously considering weakening Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules.
Together, the charities represent more than two million people, and they have issued what they describe as a final plea to the Government to rethink its approach before irreversible damage is done.
In Bolton, the issue has struck a deep emotional chord.
Seventy-seven residents took part in a nationwide letter-writing campaign urging stronger protection for wildlife and green spaces.
Supporters from across the borough added personal, powerful comments describing what nature loss looks like in their own neighbourhoods.
One wrote: “These amendments are vital to the future of not just our planet, but humankind.
“This isn’t about political point-scoring, this is about protecting the green spaces, peat bogs, waterways and woodlands we rely on to survive.”
Another expressed a fear shared by many, writing: “I am scared to death that this government will trample on all our green spaces and wildlife just so they can proclaim short-term economic growth.”
Others pointed to changes they are already witnessing, stating: “Three years of development have destroyed the wildlife corridor near my home.
“Fields where people walked and watched birds of prey are now gone.
“The number of starlings gathering in the tree outside my house is declining year on year.”
Campaigners in Bolton describe vanishing wildlife, urging ministers to strengthen protections as fears mount (Image: NQ)
And one warning echoed across several letters, writing: “Future generations will never forgive us if we destroy what little is left of nature in Bolton and the wider UK.”
Lydia German, Senior Campaigns Officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust and a Bolton resident, said trust in political promises on the environment is fading fast.
She said: “Right now, it’s becoming harder to trust what our politicians say about the environment.
“The current proposals feel like a real step backwards for nature, for our cherished wild places, and for the millions of people who care deeply about them.
“This cannot continue.”
She added: “I’ve written to my MP and I’ve still not had a reply. It’s really disappointing and frustrating.”
Supporters typically inform the Trust when MPs respond to their letters, but no Bolton residents have reported hearing back so far.
Ms German said many people locally, including her own family, have noticed stark changes in the wildlife around them.
She said: “My grandad is an avid nature campaigner and he’s seen real changes.
“Species he used to see regularly are far rarer now.”
She said residents are increasingly searching for alternatives to the Government’s approach, adding: “People are certainly viewing investment in brownfield sites as one of the alternatives.
“We believe progress is possible without sacrificing the nature we depend on.”
And she stressed that nature is not an isolated issue, saying: “Nature and wellbeing are interconnected.
“NHS nature-based social prescribing shows that every pound spent connecting communities with nature saves the NHS £1.87.
“If nature was inter-linked with other Government priorities, there could actually be workable solutions.
“But we don’t hear that being talked about.”
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The concerns emerging in Bolton mirror a national chorus of alarm.
The RSPB and Wildlife Trusts warn that weakening environmental protections now, especially BNG rules designed to ensure development restores nature instead of destroying it, could “shatter” England’s emerging nature-recovery system.
Their leaders say they are witnessing unprecedented public engagement with wildlife and a hunger for stronger protections.
Almost 65,000 people have contacted MPs urging them to defend nature in the Planning Bill, and more than 20,000 demanded that BNG rules remain in place for small sites.
Yet, despite that surge of public interest, conservationists warn nature policy is drifting “into a much darker place” than it was when the Environment Act passed with cross-party support four years ago.
For Bolton residents who took part in the letter-writing campaign, the message is clear: nature is already under strain, and further weakening of environmental rules could prove disastrous.
One resident summed up what many feel, writing: “We are a small island. We need every green space we have nature needs protection more than ever now.”
Another added: “This is about our communities, our children and the world they will inherit. We need you to make the right choices before it’s too late.”