Calling for change at the lobby for climate, nature and people

On Wednesday 26 June, hundreds of our supporters and staff travelled to Westminster to attend the mass lobby for nature, people and climate. All along the banks of the Thames, people met with their MPs to demand action on climate change and strong environmental laws. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Working together to protect the environment

‘The Time Is Now’ mass lobby was organised by two coalitions: The Climate Coalition and Greener UK. We are an active member of both, working with others to:

• tackle climate change
• make sure the UK’s natural environment is properly protected.

The event gave constituents an opportunity to meet their MPs face to face to speak about these important issues.

A successful day

More than 12,000 people came to the lobby, including nearly 200 wonderful Woodland Trust supporters along with our Trustees and staff. Over 300 MPs came out to meet their constituents, and many more sent representatives.

We all had the same message for them. The time is now for action to halt the UK’s contribution to climate change. The time is now for new environmental laws with legally binding targets.

The event was a resounding success. At the parliamentary reception afterwards, Environment Secretary Michael Gove thanked all those who came and spoke so constructively and passionately to their MPs. We echo this: thank you!

Hopes for the Environment Bill

We want to see the benefits of trees and woods in fighting climate change - and the challenges they face - understood and included in public policy.

We want to see the Environment Bill include:

• a new tree and wood strategy for England
• clear and ambitious targets for planting and restoration
• annual reporting on progress to parliament.

What happens next?

We need to keep up the pressure. The momentum of the day needs to be carried forward regardless of who becomes our next Prime Minister. We need to ensure that an ambitious, strong and effective Environment Bill is delivered.