On Saturday 22 June,  I had the wonderful experience of joining the march to Restore Nature Now in London. It was a fantastic and inspiring day full of incredible art work, people dressed as all kinds of wildlife, demonstrations, singing, important discussions, speeches, and more.

We joined up with Trusts from across the UK and over 350 charities, businesses and action groups to march through central London to Parliament with one powerful message - to Restore Nature Now. The family-friendly and peaceful march is thought to have been the largest public demonstration in the run up to the General Election.

At times the crowd was loud, shouting out with calls to ‘Restore Nature Now’ and the reminder that ‘We are Nature’, at others, cheers spread throughout the march. Singing could be heard as we approached Parliament Square (who doesn’t love a bit of Robbie Williams’ ‘I’m loving nature instead’?) and we didn’t hesitate to join in!

We finished off the march with a rally in Parliament Square – with special guest speakers including Steve Backshall and his son, Chris Packham, Megan McCubbin and Asad Rehman, as well as short films from organisations including the National Trust and RSPB.

It was great to be a part of something so huge, and to represent North Wales Wildlife Trust among so many like-minded people who travelled from across the UK and beyond to make their voices heard.

People of all ages and backgrounds attended the march to show that they care about nature. Here's a few words from some of the young people from our youth forum who came along:

"I'm here today because I really care about the planet and I think a big movement like this is what we really need to show politicians and people that they need to care about wildlife and the environment." - Selina (17)

"I learned a lot about biodiversity and how it effects the planet and also us too." - Tiwa (15)

"I liked the march and I loved the speeches, it was so fun!" - Tise (14)

"It's amazing to see so many people united to support nature and wildlife. It's clear that people care, now we just need the support of politicians. Seeing the peregrines flying high above Parliament Square felt almost symbolic!" - Ellen (22)

Thank you to everyone that joined us for the demonstration, and to those that were there with us in spirit! We won’t stop fighting to Restore Nature Now!