Protecting our own wild isles

The inspiring new Attenborough documentary should encourage us to look at–and protect–what we have on our own doorstep

- Therese Coffey

OVER decades, millions of us have marvelled as Sir David Attenborough has brought life from the farthest corners of the planet into our homes. Whether it’s Rwandan gorillas or Antarctic ice caps, we can all agree there is nothing quite like an Attenborough film (Leader, February 15). His latest, Wild Isles, has given us a rare insight into the miraculous and unique natural world of our own backyard. As Environment Secretary, I have been proud to see our natural wonders on show and, like many of you, am thinking afresh about how to protect them.

Sir David’s indefatigable enthusiasm reminds us how much we have to celebrate, as well as how much we stand to gain if we step up the brilliant work already under way to save species by supporting Nature’s innate ability to adapt and recover. I could not agree more. That is why we are taking action.

The comprehensive Environmental Improvement Plan I launched in January will mean more beloved species, such as barn owls and butterflies, have the habitats and conditions in which they can flourish. The plan covers everything from improving protected landscapes to tackling causes of climate change.