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Trust launches 'first-of-its-kind' nature survey

George KingSuffolk
Suffolk Wildlife Trust Jack Cripps is wearing glasses and a black zip-up fleece with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust logo. He is standing in a woodland and looking into the camera. Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Jack Cripps, from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said the new survey was "exciting"

A wildlife trust has said it has launched a first-of-its-kind survey to help find out how people feel about nature and guide future conservation efforts.

The Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT), in collaboration with the University of Suffolk, has brought out the Great Suffolk Nature Survey, which quizzes participants on the county's "struggling" wildlife.

It asks about their experiences with local wildlife, how they get involved with local nature, and their attitudes towards conservation, climate change and environmental projects.

The short survey comes weeks after a devastating wildfire at Dunwich Heath and nearby RSPB Minsmere destroyed vital wildlife habitats, which could take years to recover.

Ben Andrew/RSPB An oystercatcher walking alone on a beach. It is black with a long pointy orange beak, and a large white breast and underside, and pinkish legs. It has a red eye. Ben Andrew/RSPB
The survey seeks to get people's views on wildlife and learn about their experiences with nature

Jack Cripps, head of marketing and communications at SWT, said: "The county's landscapes and wildlife are a huge part of what I and so many others who live here are proud of.

"But our wildlife is struggling and we're really starting to feel the impacts of our changing climate. This survey will go a bit deeper into what local people think and feel about nature.

"Everyone can get involved with protecting nature, and the results of the survey will guide Suffolk Wildlife Trust's future community projects and campaigning."

Reuters A drone image of a stretch of coastline. There is a holiday park with lodges. The land around the site has been scorched black from a wildfire. Smoke billows into the air from some of the land. Reuters
The survey comes after an area of heathland the size of 210 football pitches was destroyed by fire

This is the first time SWT has run its own survey, although it has previously gathered local responses as part of the nationwide The Great Big Nature Survey.

Hannah Page, from the University of Suffolk, said it was "delighted" to be supporting the trust with the "important project".

She also said there would be an opportunity for a student from the university to help roll out the survey thanks to a paid student placement from the county council.

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