A landmark survey of the UK public has revealed a robust appetite for sweeping environmental reform, signaling strong support for policies designed to protect and restore the nation’s dwindling natural assets. The findings, released by the ACCESS project, provide a comprehensive overview of how citizens perceive the current state of nature and what they expect from future governance.
Researchers surveyed nearly 3,000 people across the country between December 2025 and January 2026, capturing a detailed portrait of public anxiety regarding the environment. The results are stark: more than 75% of respondents expressed deep concern regarding the loss of wild animal and plant life. Looking toward the future, 57% of those surveyed believe that biodiversity in the UK will decline further over the next 25 years.
This pervasive anxiety is translating into a clear political mandate. The survey found significant public backing for concrete, often stringent, policy measures. Notably, 68% of respondents supported stricter regulations on housing and infrastructure development to prioritize nature conservation. Furthermore, 73% of participants favored the expansion of urban tree planting, while 66% endorsed direct government subsidies for farmers and wildlife charities to foster habitat recovery.
“Our results are directly relevant for policymakers, offering new insights about support for different kinds of policies and management practices,” said Dr. Alice Moseley of the University of Exeter. She highlighted that this public concern aligns with international ambitions, noting that around two-thirds of respondents support the UK’s national target to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030.
The research also delved into the practical management of natural spaces. Professor Birgitta Gatersleben, from the University of Surrey, noted that the public is receptive to proactive land management techniques. “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,” she explained. “These findings have implications for local authorities, national park authorities, and nature agencies with responsibilities for protecting and managing natural spaces.”
While support for nature recovery is widespread, the survey highlighted the need for nuanced communication strategies. Demographic trends revealed that women, older generations, those on the left of the political spectrum, and individuals with higher levels of formal education are statistically more likely to express concern about biodiversity loss. Furthermore, the survey found that more than 65% of respondents hold an “ecocentric” worldview, recognizing nature’s intrinsic value rather than viewing it merely as a utility for human benefit. Researchers suggest that future policy communications should reflect this sentiment, emphasizing the health of ecosystems for their own sake rather than solely focusing on human-centric gains.
The findings also shed light on the pervasive barriers to nature access. For most people, interactions with the natural world remain limited to local urban parks and domestic gardens. Inequalities persist, with financial constraints and practical challenges restricting access to wider natural landscapes. The report concludes that government bodies, landowners, and charities must actively work to dismantle these barriers to ensure equitable engagement with the natural environment.
These insights were collected as part of the work of the ACCESS Nature Recovery Task Force, a two-year collaboration between academic researchers and government social scientists. Professor Michael Winter OBE, chair of the task force, noted that the high level of public concern revealed by the survey provides a critical foundation for future policy development.
As the UK grapples with the dual challenges of infrastructure development and environmental degradation, this report suggests that the public is not just a bystander, but a willing participant in the transition toward a more restored and protected natural landscape. The full findings, published in the report “ACCESS Citizens’ Survey on Nature, Land Management & Environment,” are expected to serve as a vital tool for policymakers navigating the complexities of environmental stewardship in the coming years.
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