Might of the masses

Thousands of nature-lovers showed the power of direct engagement with MPs at the Act Now, Change Forever Mass Lobby in Westminster on 9 July.

Political action is urgently needed to deal with huge challenges facing nature across the UK. These include potential threats to wildlife sites posed by inappropriate development, and levels of investment in nature-friendly farming that fall short of what’s needed – issues that impact communities and farmers’ livelihoods, as well as exacerbating the nature and climate crises.

A group of people stood talking at an RSPB stand next to a big display that reads 'Let's ruffle some feathers' with the wings of hope craftivism installation below, filled with feathers where people have written their hope for the future of nature

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The RSPB Campaigning Team and others joined forces in a huge show of support for urgent action to tackle the nature and climate crisis. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

A craftivism project where people have written their hopes for the future of nature on feather shapes and compiled them into a big wing-shaped poster. The photo shows a hand sticking a feather onto the wings

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Attendees filled the 'wings of hope' with their hopes for the future. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

A group of campaigners stand outside the Queen Elizabeth II Centre holding placards with messages about working together to save nature

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People from all across the UK came together to share their concerns for nature and climate. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

A young girl holds a paper feather that reads 'save nature'. She is out of focus in the background

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The 'wings of hope' craftivism installation was a popular feature at the mass lobby. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Mya-Rose Craig speaks to an audience at the mass lobby event. The powerpoint screen reads 'Act Now, Change Forever'

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RSPB Ambassador Mya-Rose Craig speaking at the event. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

A year after the Restore Nature Now march, these issues still loom large. So, we’re proud that hundreds of our supporters joined the Mass Lobby, organised by The Climate Coalition and supported by the RSPB and other Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Many spoke directly to their MPs for the first time, spurring some of those representatives to pledge to take their constituents’ concerns to Parliament, and to push for stronger protections for wildlife. Dozens of people also shared their aspirations for change on our Wings of Hope installation during the day.