The Species Champions programme connects Members of Parliament with conservation organisations to champion threatened wildlife and drive action for species recovery. Since its launch in 2015, the programme has given MPs the opportunity to become a voice for nature in Parliament and help raise the profile of species conservation at a national level.
Delivered by the Rethink Nature partnership, the programme brings together policymakers and conservation experts to strengthen political support for species recovery across England.
Why Species Champions Matter
Nature in the UK is under increasing pressure, with many species facing significant declines and an uncertain future. Meeting national targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss will require ambitious action, strong political leadership and sustained commitment.
Species Champions help ensure that species remain on the political agenda. By building relationships between MPs and conservation organisations, the programme creates opportunities to increase understanding of the challenges facing species and the actions needed to support their recovery.
How the Programme Works
Each Species Champion is matched with a conservation organisation working to protect and recover their assigned species. Champions receive expert information about their species, the threats it faces and the practical and policy solutions needed to help it thrive.
Champions are encouraged and supported to advocate for species recovery through parliamentary activity, including asking questions, contributing to debates and attending events. Many also have opportunities to visit projects and habitats to learn more about their species firsthand.
Together, Species Champions are helping to build a stronger voice for nature in Westminster and champion the action needed to secure the recovery of wildlife across England.
Meet our Species Champions
Explore the MPs, species and conservation organisations taking part in the programme and learn more about how they are supporting species recovery across England.
Sir Desmond Swayne
Championing the Smooth Snake
Sarah Dyke
Championing the Great Crested Newt
Jessica Toale
Championing the Sand Lizard
Helen Hayes
Championing the Common Pipistrelle
Sir Roger Gale
Championing the Beaver
Alex Sobel
Championing the White-clawed Crayfish
Rachael Maskell
Championing the Tansy Beetle
Daniel Zeichner
Championing the Ruderal Bumblebee
Roz Savage
Championing the Snakeshead Fritillary
Danny Kruger
Championing the Great Bustard
Anna Gelderd
Championing the Seagrass
Ellie Chowns
Championing the Narrow-leaved Water Dropwort
John Glen
Championing the Burnt-tip Orchid
Tim Farron
Championing the Tree Lungwort
Andrew Griffith
Championing the Redshank
Debbie Abrahams
Championing the Dunlin
Ed Miliband
Championing the Starling
James Cartlidge
Championing the Turtle Dove
Kerry McCarthy
Championing the Swift
Layla Moran
Championing the Skylark
Mark Garnier
Championing the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Olivia Blake
Championing the Hen Harrier
Saqib Bhatti
Championing the Willow Tit
Martin Wrigley
Championing the Cirl Bunting
Joe Morris
Championing the Curlew
Barry Gardiner
Championing the Yellowhammer
Tessa Munt
Championing the Bittern
If you are interested in becoming involved in the Species Champions initiative, or would like more information, please email our Senior Advocacy Officer at mary.white@plantlife.org.uk
There are similar Species Champions initiatives working with elected representatives in each of the devolved nations, led in each case by the country’s Environment Link body (Wales Environment Link, Scottish Environment Link).