The nationwide Futurescapes programme is the RSPB’s recognition of the need to do more for ALL NATURE and the need to do this on a bigger scale. As populations grow and development occurs, wildlife habitats are becoming increasingly fragmented, leading to vulnerable landscapes and declining wildlife. Futurescapes are priority areas that have been identified as spaces where the RSPB can do the most for landscape and wildlife conservation – and the South Downs Futurescape, which follows the same border as the National Park, is our local landscape. Within our South Downs landscape we have a diversity of habitats: farmland, heathland, wetland, woodland and chalk grassland. Each one contains wildlife species – both flora and fauna – that are uniquely adapted to these habitats.
Futurescapes also champions partnership work. If we are going to save UK wildlife, we need to work together. The South Downs Futurescape core partners are: SDNPA, National Trust, Sussex and Hampshire Wildlife Trusts, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and Our Land (a sustainable tourism initiative). We are working with our partners and others – farmers/landowners, local communities and businesses, government bodies and other environmental organisations – to do more for nature, creating corridors of healthy, wildlife-friendly habitat across our landscape. We also want to promote and encourage people to give nature a home: whether you have a window box, a garden, a local park, farm, or a whole estate – wherever you are, whatever you do, you can do something for nature!
As community engagement officer, my role with the South Downs Futurescape includes getting the message out about the importance of linking up conservation efforts within this landscape and raising awareness about the sort of work that is already being carried out – the sort of ‘examples’ to follow! And of course, we want to get people talking about Futurescapes, but more importantly, landscape-scale conservation.
I'd love to hear what thoughts there may be about this latest RSPB initiative in the South Downs!