From ancient woodlands to reed beds, lagoons and chalk streams, these landscapes provide homes for species found in only a few places nationally, including the endangered white-clawed crayfish, the rare Bechstein’s bat and the Duke of Burgundy butterfly. When natural places are protected and allowed to flourish, they support an extraordinary richness of life.
Nature also supports us, contributing to our health, wellbeing, local economy and the resilience of our communities. But this natural world is increasingly fragile. We have already lost so much, and simply preserving what remains will not be enough. To secure a wilder, healthier future, we must restore and reconnect the wild places that sustain life across our two counties.
That is why the local elections on Thursday 7 May 2026 are so important. They give every resident the opportunity to choose the people who will shape our environment for years to come. Local councillors play a significant role in decisions that affect nature on our doorstep. They influence how land is used, what gets built and where, how polluted rivers are cleaned up, how green spaces are protected and improved, and how our region responds to both the climate and nature emergencies. They also help deliver Local Nature Recovery Strategies, which will guide the restoration of habitats and wildlife across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Every vote cast is an opportunity to steer those decisions in a direction that helps nature recover.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is encouraging everyone to use their vote to support candidates who understand the urgency of this moment. Nature can bounce back if given the chance, but that requires leadership that recognises its value and prioritises its recovery. A council committed to nature can champion nature-positive development, cleaner rivers, stronger protection for green spaces, investment in nature-based solutions and support for community action. When residents vote for candidates who care about the natural world, those values become harder for decisionmakers to ignore.
On 7 May, use your vote to speak up for the landscapes, coastlines and species that make our region extraordinary. By voting for a future where nature thrives, we can help create a wilder landscape for generations to come.
Registration to vote closes on 20 April. Click here to learn more about how your vote can support nature’s recovery.