The march featured performance art, sculptures, singing, and powerful speeches from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust President and Vice-President, Megan McCubbin, and Chris Packham, as well as President of The Wildlife Trusts Liz Bonnin and naturalist Steve Backshall. All emphasising the urgent need for political action to protect and restore the natural world.  

With over 60,000 people in attendance, this overwhelming turnout sends a clear message to politicians: as the upcoming general election approaches, the protection and restoration of our natural environment must be a top priority. 

“The sheer number and diversity of people who have come together today demonstrates just how crucial it is that we take action to restore nature. We are here to make it clear that nature cannot be ignored, and the more we continue to degrade it the more it will cost our economy and our health. We need to restore nature, and we need to do it now, because time is running out” said Debbie Tann MBE, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. 

“This march is not just a call to action; it is a celebration of our collective commitment to a wilder, healthier, and more resilient future.” 

Trust staff, volunteers, members, and Team Wilder groups were among the many who traveled to London to participate. These groups included Wilder Bramley, Fawcett Road Greening Group, Friends of Bitterne Station, Wilder Bishops Waltham, Hatch Warren Nature Group and many more – all incredible people taking local actions in our counties to help invite more wildlife back into our lives. 

“Participating in the Restore Nature Now march was an incredible experience for the Wilder Bramley group. Over the past two years, our community has developed a bee garden, a wildflower area, and grassland restoration project. We have also organised nature walks and local events, growing our momentum and support to make our patch wilder.” Said Wilder Bramley group member Claire Levée. 

“As the first Team Wilder community group supported by the Trust and Basingstoke & Deane Council, we see firsthand how local initiatives can make a significant impact. This march underscored the critical power of community efforts; while our actions might seem isolated individually, when we unite, our collective voice cannot be ignored.” 

The march highlighted the power of community and the importance of standing together for a wilder future. It underscored how local initiatives are integral to the broader movement, reinforcing the idea that collective efforts at the community level can drive significant national change. 

With the upcoming general election in under two weeks, it's more important than ever to stand up for nature. The next five years will be decisive in our efforts to protect and restore the natural environment, making the choices of the next government critical. 

You can ensure nature is given the priority it deserves. Whether you are a voter or a candidate, find out how you can act with nature in mind here.