Merton activists join Chris Packham’s march to tackle biodiversity crisis
Merton Friends of the Earth joined thousands of people marching through central London on Saturday, on the “Restore Nature Now” protest organised by naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham.
The marchers were urging political leaders to take more decisive action in tackling the country’s biodiversity crisis.
They walked from Park Lane to Parliament Square, dressed in glittering outfits, animal costumes and intricate face paint, led by Mr Packham and actress Dame Emma Thompson.
Others leading the march included entrepreneur Dale Vince, former Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas, and actor Iwan Rheon. It culminated in a rally featuring speeches from figures including Mr Packham, Megan McCubbin, and Steve Backshall, and readings from Billy Bragg and Fergal Sharkey.
A total of 350 environmental groups came together to pressure the government to act on the biodiversity crisis. Large mainstream charities including the National Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB and Friends of the Earth stood side by side with direct action groups such as Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion and Animal Rising.
Mariana Pacheco, co-coordinator of Merton Friends of the Earth, said: “We were delighted to be part of this important event with our Merton Friends of the Earth group at a crucial time before the UK elections.
“The event was a beautiful celebration of partnership, collaboration, and creativity, showcasing the power of grassroots movements like ours. Our message is clear: We demand action to restore nature now!”
Chris Packham, said: “It was the first time such diverse organisations as the National Trust, RSPB, Wildlife Trusts Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion and hunt saboteurs had united.
“At a time when we need bold and brave leadership, we’re not seeing any sign from any of the manifestos that it might materialise.”
Dame Emma Thompson, said: “We have known about this for decades and government after government completely ignored the advice.”
To contact Merton Friends of the Earth, please go to Email: mertonfoe@gmail.com
Pictured top: On the match (left to right): Gabriel Partos, co-coordinator of Merton Friends of the Earth, Lesley Gelbart, Alwyn Donnell, Christine Denwood, Mary Hanover, Auriel Glanville, Juliet Boyd, and Mariana Pacheco (Picture: Auriel Glanville)
