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
+44 (0) 1242 252 871
Campaign queries:
Jim Clark
Campaign Manager
Naturewatch Foundation
+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.
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T. +44 (0)1242 252871Additional Contact(s):
Sarah Carr, CEO
[email protected]
