Nearly half of Brits are unsure about how best to make an impact when it comes to protecting the environment and the UK’s wildlife, according to new research.

And exactly a quarter believe they don’t have to do anything to help save the planet or wildlife full stop.

Nearly all of us (85%) know that protecting the environment and the UK’s wildlife is important, but just 43% are unsure how they can make an impact.

Almost a third (32%) claim they don’t have the time to make a difference, with 25% believing they don’t have to do anything about it. 

New research from Arla, the UK’s biggest dairy co-op, revealed the findings and is now educating and rallying the nation to support its farmers in tackling the issue by becoming wildlife landlords. 

Arla’s research also found that 64% of Brits are unaware that a typical hedgerow can support over 2,000 different plant and animal species, while over a third (35%) are not aware we have lost many hedgerows in the last 80 years.

Arla farmer, Oliver Williams, said: “Hedgerows benefit all small species, especially hedgehogs, which is why I take great care in ensuring they are protected and nurtured at all costs. 

“On my farm, I’ve recently established a new area of woodland to grow new hedges and nurture existing hedgerows, helping to create natural breaks in the countryside and small populated habitats for our small and prickly friends. Protecting the environment is so important, and there are many ways you can, even if you aren’t a farmer!” 

To tackle the decline of our natural habitats, Arla and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species have joined forces to help more people create their own wildlife friendly gardens and green spaces. 

Rachel Campbell, director of the Arla Brand & Sustainability, added: “We’re excited to partner with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species to help educate the nation and highlight the importance of protecting the UK’s hedgerows. 

“Our farmers who are choosing to maintain and plant new hedgerows to act as wildlife corridors for Britain's declining species are doing a brilliant job, but it’s a journey that we as a nation, should all be collectively looking ahead to.

“Protecting hedgerows is just one possible action that sits under the Ecosystem element of our Arla C.A.R.E programme - an industry leading standards programme for milk production that covers key areas where farmers can make a real difference to the world around us.” 

Hedgerows are natural wildlife corridors made up of shrubs and trees and are essential for wildlife to thrive - but over half have been lost since WW2.

The UK’s loss of hedgerows, typically found on farms, has been identified as a key factor in the decline of many plant and animal species across the nation, but most Brits are unaware of the key role they play.

Alongside protecting wildlife, hedgerows can also be hugely valuable thanks to their stability, undisturbed soils, diversity, and seedbanks  which is why they should be maintained, protected, and nurtured wherever possible. 

You don’t need to be a farmer or own acres of land to become a landlord to a diverse population of wildlife, which is why Arla has teamed up with the PTES to inspire more people to replicate some of the actions being taken on farms in their own gardens or local outside areas. 

Megan Gimber, Key Habitats Officer, at People’s Trust for Endangered Species, said: “Hedgerows are essential habitat and wildlife corridors for thousands of species across the countryside. When managed well, they offer one of the biggest and most connected resources we have for nature. The harmonious combination of trees, flowering scrub and grassy margin creates a habitat more than the sum of its parts, enabling the hedgerows to house, feed and shelter an enormous proportion of our native wildlife. Healthy hedgerows have the potential to benefit wildlife and the environment, whilst still being a valuable asset for farms. As an individual, there are simple actions you can take to mimic the biodiversity of hedges in your own back garden and turn your green space into a wildlife haven.” 

For more information on Arla’s C.A.R.E programme and to see how you can act, visit: http://arlafoods.co.uk/sustainability/protecting-nature/wildlife-havens/