Major survey reveals public support for UK nature recovery

A major new survey reveals broad public support for policies to protect and restore nature in the UK.

Researchers surveyed almost 3,000 people across the country, exploring their feelings, concerns and opinions, and their experiences in nature.

More than 75% were worried about the potential loss of wild animal and plant life in the UK – and 57% thought there would be less variety of wildlife over the next 25 years.

The survey found support for policies including stricter regulations for house building and infrastructure to protect nature (68%), subsidies for farmers and wildlife charities to support nature (66%) and planting more trees in urban areas (73%).

The findings – from the ACCESS project – suggest the UK public are likely to support policies and action to tackle nature loss in the future.

“Our results are directly relevant for policymakers, offering new insights about support for different kinds of policies and management practices,” said Dr Alice Moseley, from the University of Exeter.

“Worry about nature depletion translates into support for national targets for nature protection, with around two thirds of respondents supporting the UK’s national target to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.”

Professor Birgitta Gatersleben, from the University of Surrey, added: “There is support for measures that could be taken by landowners, land managers and public bodies such as mowing grass less often, planting more trees, and reintroducing certain animal species.

“These findings have implications for bodies such as local authorities, national park authorities and nature agencies with responsibilities for protecting and managing natural spaces.

“Overall, our survey provides support for the continued development of a variety of strong and multi-stranded policies to protect and restore nature.”

The survey also examined how different demographic groups varied.

For example, females, older people, those on the left of the political spectrum and those with higher levels of formal education were more likely to be worried about the potential loss of variety of wild animals and plant life.

Support for national nature targets and optimism about meeting them also varied by demographic group, with parents and people living closer to cities more optimistic.

The researchers say this suggests a need for targeted messaging and tailored interventions for particular groups wherever possible.

Results also included:

• More than 65% of UK respondents were of an “ecocentric” mindset, reflecting recognition of nature’s intrinsic value – so policy communications should stress not only human benefits but also the benefits to nature.
• The top four environmental concerns were: pollution of rivers, seas and lakes; plastic pollution; the growing amount of waste; and deforestation.
• People’s access to nature is most often in gardens and urban parks. Money and practical difficulties prohibit access to certain types of natural spaces, and there remain inequalities in nature access. Government, landowners and charities should seek to alleviate inequalities in nature access.

Professor Michael Winter OBE, Chair of ACCESS Task Force on Nature Recovery, said “Alongside our work focussing on nature recovery policy, it was helpful and informative to see such a high level of public concern for nature revealed in the survey.” 

The citizens’ survey was conducted in December 2025 and January 2026 to complement the work of the ACCESS Nature Recovery Task Force of UK academic and government social scientists.

The Nature Recovery Task Force ran from September 2024 to September 2026. Its full report and executive summary will be published in October 2026.

For further information about the survey and survey report, please contact: info@accessnetwork.uk

The new report is entitled: “ACCESS Citizens’ Survey on Nature, Land Management & Environment. UK Report (2026).”