Naturewatch Foundation Welcomes Proposed GCSE in Nature and Urges Strong Focus on Wildlife Crime

Naturewatch Foundation has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of a

consultation on the proposed GCSE in Nature, describing it as a “positive and long-overdue

step” towards strengthening environmental education.

The organisation has been a long-standing supporter of the initiative since it was first

announced in 2019 and has consistently advocated for greater inclusion of nature,

biodiversity, and animal welfare within the national curriculum.

Naturewatch Foundation has confirmed it will be responding to the consultation, providing

detailed observations and recommendations. A key focus of its submission will be the

inclusion of wildlife crime within the curriculum; an area the charity believes is critical to

understanding modern conservation challenges.

Naturewatch Foundation is calling for strong content that explores the effects of a wide

range of human activities on wildlife and habitats. This includes issues such as habitat

destruction, illegal wildlife trade, persecution of species, and the broader impacts of human

behaviour.

Jim Clark, Naturewatch Foundation Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager, said:

“The introduction of a GCSE in Nature stands for an important opportunity to ensure

young people are equipped with the knowledge and awareness needed to protect

wildlife. However, it is essential that the curriculum reflects the realities facing

animals today, including the growing threat of wildlife crime and the impact of human

activities on natural habitats. This is no more evident than in our Target Crime Not

Wildlife campaign that focuses on the misuse of catapults.”

The charity emphasised that education must play a significant role in tackling wildlife crime

by fostering greater awareness, responsibility, and informed decision-making among future

generations.

Naturewatch Foundation is urging the Government to ensure that the GCSE in Nature is

ambitious, evidence-based, and reflective of the urgent challenges facing wildlife both in 

the UK and globally.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Media queries:

Alice Williamson

Campaigns and Marketing Assistant

Naturewatch Foundation

[email protected]

+44 (0) 1242 252 871

Campaign queries:

Jim Clark

Campaign Manager

Naturewatch Foundation

[email protected]

+44 (0) 1242 252 871

About Naturewatch Foundation: Naturewatch Foundation is a UK-based animal welfare

charity dedicated to ending cruelty and improving the lives of animals through campaigning,

education and advocacy. For over 30 years, the charity has led initiatives to tackle illegal

and unethical practices, including puppy farming, animal experiments and wildlife crime. By

working with policymakers, enforcement agencies and the public, Naturewatch Foundation

strives to make the world a kinder place for animals. Visit naturewatch.org to find out more.