‘Restore Nature Now’: Thousands rally in London for urgent wildlife action

LONDON, UK - JUNE 22: Thousands of demonstrators flooded central London on Saturday, June 22, in a passionate call to political leaders to address the pressing wildlife crisis gripping the UK. The protest, culminating in a rally at Parliament Square, featured speeches from renowned naturalists Chris Packham and Steve Backshall, complemented by performances from Billy Bragg and Feargal Sharkey. Clad in glittery attire, elaborate animal costumes, and vibrant face paint, protesters converged for the Restore Nature Now march, commencing at Hyde Park at 12:30 pm. Led by Dame Emma and Chris Packham under a banner proclaiming "Restore Nature Now," the procession made its way through Hyde Park, resonating with chants of "Restore nature now" accompanied by the sounds of bells and cheers. The visual landscape was adorned with green foliage and wildlife cut-outs, symbolizing the stakes involved. The demonstration brought together a coalition of 350 environmental groups, including stalwarts like the National Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB, and Friends of the Earth, alongside activist entities such as Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion, and Animal Rising. Their collective aim: to exert pressure on the government for more robust and decisive action against the ongoing biodiversity decline.(Footage by Raşid Necati Aslım/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)