Activists pressure British royals to re-wild their land

Change
People
Posted 24 February, 2023

Credit: Wikimedia

By Jessica Byrne

London, UK

3 energy + Add Energy

0 comments

Prince William has inherited a plot of land that makes up 0.2 percent of the UK’s landmass. Now, activists are asking him to re-wild the estate.

Following the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William inherited a 530 square kilometre estate named Duchy of Cornwall.

A large portion of the land is made up of Dartmoor National Park, an area that has long been considered England’s ‘rainforest zone’. The climate in this region is particularly temperate and allows for wild plants and animals to thrive naturally.

In fact, one-fifth of the UK – from Cornwall to Scotland – was made up of these woody rainforests. The vast abundance of trees has been cleared to make room for gardens, meaning Britain has lost one of its most vital carbon sinks.

Over 30,000 people have signed an online petition which calls for Prince William to restore the area to the natural hub that it once was. But the question is: will he?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh4Rhh-BCnA&ab_channel=SkyNews

The lost rainforests of Britain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh4Rhh-BCnA&ab_channel=SkyNews)

It’s possible he might listen to calls from activists, as Prince William has become vocal about matters related to the environment such as pollution and climate change.

In doing so, has landed himself the title of Britain’s chief environmentalist.

Back in 2020, he established The Earthshot Prize to support climate innovators who are tackling the greatest existential threat to the planet. The project became an independent charity last summer, with Prince William as its president.

Prince William has pledged £50 million to pioneering climate projects over the next decade through The Earthshot Prize, which is now considered the most prestigious award for the environment in history.

The Earthshot Prize offers £1 million to each of the winners of five separate categories, which include: nature protection, clean air, ocean revival, waste elimination, and climate change. The winners and all 15 finalists also receive help in expanding their projects to meet global demand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkLmAezrgRg&ab_channel=TheEarthshotPrize

When Sir David Attenborough Sat Down with Prince William | The Earthshot Prize (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkLmAezrgRg&ab_channel=TheEarthshotPrize)

The petition has only been running for a month and is active on the social change platform 38 degrees. It was created by the grassroots rewilding campaign group Wild Card.

Those advocating for the rewilding of Dartmoor have said, ‘Prince William claims the environment is a top priority for him – so this feels like a no-brainer for him to agree to.’

Considering the late Queen Elizabeth II was passionate about protecting the environment, rewilding the land he inherited from her would be a great way to commemorate her life.

We’ll have to wait and see if the petition gets a response, but until then, click here to sign and boost its profile.

Jessica Byrne

Senior Writer & Media Coordinator London, UK

I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

More from thred.

India’s electoral landscape is marred by political interference

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

People

India’s electoral landscape is marred by political interference

In India, where democracy is touted as the bedrock of its governance, recent revelations surrounding the fate of opposition leaders facing corruption charges paint a concerning picture. A comprehensive investigation by The Indian Express has uncovered a troubling pattern - a staggering 23 out of 25 key opposition politicians who faced action from central agencies were let off the hook after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its...

By Sahil Pradhan Bhubaneswar, India

Devastating floods continue to devastate Tanzania

Credit: Thred

Planet

Devastating floods continue to devastate Tanzania

Tanzania is grappling with ongoing floods that have claimed lives and left thousands of people affected across the country. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the floods have wreaked havoc causing extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. In the last two weeks, the ongoing floods have been catastrophic, with official reports indicating a death toll of 58 people and affecting over 120,000 across the country. Heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and inadequate infrastructure have...

By Derrick Wachaya Nairobi, Kenya

Lloyd Martin to become youngest Down’s syndrome marathon runner

Credit: Unsplash

People

Lloyd Martin to become youngest Down’s syndrome marathon runner

The 19-year-old will attempt a world record at the London Marathon this April, with his mum by his side. Lloyd Martin has wanted to run a marathon for years, according to his mum Ceri Hooper. Hooper has run many marathons herself, running London four times and even completing the race in the prestigious Boston and Chicago routes. Lloyd, her 19 year old son, has always cheered her on from the sidelines....

By Flo Bellinger Brighton, UK

Cambodia’s reefs thrive as rest of the world’s corals bleach

Credit: Unsplash

Planet

Cambodia’s reefs thrive as rest of the world’s corals bleach

Marine biologists have just announced the fourth planet-wide coral bleaching event. Despite this devastating news, scientists are pleased to witness reefs off the coast of Cambodia thriving in warmer waters. Coral reefs are often considered one of nature’s most magnificent creations. They are colourful ecosystems bustling with life, leading them to be dubbed the ‘rainforests of the sea’. Despite offering a habitat, feeding ground, and breeding space for one-quarter of...