Our biodiversity is in decline.  Birds such as the cuckoo or swift have shown significant decline in recent years, while other species have been lost altogether.  The Government is set to miss its own 2010 target, which Ministers have now all but abandoned.  The existing bureaucratic, regulatory approach has failed.  With new pressure on habitat from climate change, population growth and development we need radical new thinking to reverse biodiversity loss.  What new ideas can we pursue to protect and enhance biodiversity in the long-term? How do we create a more integrated and holistic approach based on incentives rather than prohibitions?  David Cameron has proposed the idea of conservation credits to secure new investment in habitat for wildlife.  What is the scope for introducing market systems like this into conservation policy?

A Future for Life on Earth

Despite legislation, targets and action plans biodiversity loss continues as Man's need for resources shows little sign of abating. So what, asks Buglife's Matt Shardlow, is the future for life on earth?

Matt Shardlow, Buglife - 21/07/2009 Have your say

The Building Blocks of the Environment

As we enter a low carbon economy the natural environment must be central in the decision-making of many sectors. Dr Tony Whitbread argues that its time to start the debate about biodiversity and sets out the key challenges for a future government.

Dr Tony Whitbread, Sussex Wildlife Trust - 24/07/2009 Have your say

Putting the Light Back into our Woodlands - Reversing the Decline in Biodiversity

The change in use of our woodland has had an impact on the biodiversity which lives there - combined with environmental change the potential for further lasting damage is very real. Mike Seville from the CLA argues that a renewed focus on timber for energy and construction could provide a solution.

Mike Seville, Country Land and Business Association - 06/08/2009 Have your say

Water: Love it, Loathe it, or Let Nature Decide?

Intensive drainage and dredging has destroyed many natural wetlands. But, argues Martin Spray, wetlands have a crucial role in the preservation of the natural environment and protecting us from the extremes of nature.

Martin Spray, Chief Executive, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust - 13/08/2009 Have your say

Fit for the Future: The Role of Woodland Creation

Sue Holden of the Woodland Trust presents a challenging picture of current woodland in the UK and outlines the important role it plays in many aspects of our life, extolling the virtues of a walk in the woods...

Sue Holden, CEO, The Woodland Trust - 17/08/2009 Have your say

Green Infrastructure - An Approach that Works with Nature

Stephen Russell of the Landscape Institute outlines the importance and benefits of the green infrastructure approach to the key challenges facing the environment and argues for its central position in environmental management.

Stephen Russell, Landscape Institute - 02/09/2009 Have your say

Unintended Consequences?

The CAP and traditional forms of land designation have not produced the best results for wildlife. But what, asks Miles King of the Grasslands Trust, is the correct role for regulation and ecosystem services and does too much focus on climate change distract us from preventing species loss?

Miles King, The Grasslands Trust - 25/09/2009 Have your say

Ecological Networks - Joining Nature Back Together Again

Tony Whitbread of the Sussex Wildlife Trust writes for us again, this time on the issue of the creation of ecological networks. He argues that the creation of such a network is an essential component of the holistic approach to conservation that is needed.

Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive, Sussex Wildlife Trust - 01/01/1970 Have your say