BBC nature presenter Chris Packham joined hundreds of environmentalists in a mock funeral procession for nature to highlight the loss of biodiversity in the UK.
Organizers said the march was aimed at calling for a “Code Red for Nature” and highlighting Britain's position as “one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world”. It was planned to coincide with Earth Day on April 22nd.
Starting from the Percy Center in New King Street, a funeral procession of 'mourners' for nature headed to Bath Abbey.
Ms Packham, who gave a eulogy at the protest, said she and her fellow “mourners” were trying to “scare people a little bit” about the current state of the natural world and the “anarchy” we might face if things continue as they are. ” he said he was there for.
Before the procession, he uploaded a photo of himself and wildlife show host Megan McCubbin, dressed in black, to X. “Biodiversity collapse is accelerating around the world, but there are alternatives,” Packham said.
“With political will, we can restore nature on a landscape scale. We must restore nature now.”
Members of the Red Rebel Brigade, dressed in red and wearing white face paint, are part of an international group protesting through performance art pieces.
Saturday's Red Rebels line of 400 people was five times larger than previous years, making it the largest gathering to date, organizers said. Hundreds of black-clad “mourners” were also in attendance.
The Code Red for Nature website, which provides information about the event, said participants should come dressed in black, including shoes.
Information on the same page asks people not to bring banners or placards as the “look” of the queue is “part of a strategy” to raise awareness.
It says, “Please come dressed in all black, including footwear. No banners or placards. This is not a protest. A uniform visual is part of the strategy.”
In his speech, Mr Packham said some of Britain's wildlife and habitats were in the “last position” and called on the government to stop using fossil fuels and switch faster, “now. He called on the people to act more openly, boldly and bravely. Renewable energy.
“It's time to fight for nature,” he said. “I think what we came here to say to people is, do you really want to wait until you attend a real natural funeral? Because it's coming soon.”
Mr Packham said the UK needed to “commit to biodiversity” and ensure “sustainable ecosystems for the future” to avoid “anarchy”.
He added: “It's not like we don't have a toolkit to restore, recover, repair and reintroduce nature. We're doing it, we just need to keep doing it… I think we’re here to scare you a little.”
Organizers cite the 2023 State of Nature Report on UK Biodiversity, which reveals that 43% of Britain's bird species have declined and 97% of wildflower meadows have disappeared since the Second World War. I made it. They warned that we are “entering the sixth mass extinction event.”
Orders of service were also handed out to onlookers, which included information about the decline of nature.
“The aim is to send a powerful SOS message to nature by creating a visual spectacle that shocks and inspires viewers,” said Rob Delius, one of the organizers. ”
“The UK is sleepwalking through this nature crisis and the fact that we are currently one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world is not talked about enough.
“We hope this procession will create a buzz and motivate the public to urgently do more to restore biodiversity by governments, local authorities, landowners and businesses.”