'POWERFUL new laws' are needed to protect and reconnect the UK's wildlife habitats by creating a 'Nature Recovery Network'.

In a well-timed bid for political attention, Sir David Attenborough has co-operated with The Wildlife Trusts to issue a short film highlighting the problem of wildlife decline and calling for concerted action to reverse it.

Although not explicitly stated in the film, the graphics imply that monoculture crops, urbanisation and transport infrastructure have contributed to the fragmentation of wildlife habitats, and the best solution would be laws obliging the public and private sector to put the wellbeing of wildlife first when planning their activities, making room and making way for nature to thrive.

Sir David, who is president emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, says in the film: “A wildlife-rich natural world is vital for our wellbeing and survival. We need wild places to thrive. Yet many of our systems and laws have failed the natural world. We now live in one of the most nature depleted places on the planet. Nature urgently needs our help to recover – and it can be done. By joining up wild places and creating more across the UK we would improve our lives and help nature to flourish – because everything works better when it’s connected.

“Now is the time to tell our politicians that we need a Nature Recovery Network set in law. A legally binding network for nature would mean that wildlife is prioritised when managing our land and planning our towns. Powerful new environmental laws can ensure habitats are expanded and reconnected meaning all life will thrive once more.

“It’s time to turn things around. Nature is capable of extraordinary recovery but we must act now! Tell your politicians now is the time to put nature into recovery. Everything works better when it’s connected.”

Director of campaigns and policy at The Wildlife Trusts, Nikki Williams, said: “Nature is in big trouble but we know how to bring it back. Local action is already making a real difference and now the government needs to play its part. We need a Nature Recovery Network established in law – one that is locally developed and nationally connected – this would help join up our last remaining wild places by creating vital new habitats.

"It is time to make nature a normal part of childhood again and restore wildlife so it can recover and thrive across urban jungles and the countryside once more – where it can be part of people’s daily lives.”