Plantlife is an independent charity established in 1989 to pursue conservation of wild plant diversity in the UK and internationally through effective partnership working.
Plantlife's creation was in the context of the dramatic loss of our native wild plants, which have been decimated over the past half-century, mostly because of agricultural intensification and expansion of built development. More than 97% of the wild plant populations present in the 1950s have been lost. The continuing threat to remaining populations is considerable. Every county in England is losing, on average, one species every two years.
Plantlife is currently the Government-appointed Lead Partner for 77 higher and lower plant and fungus species as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). This involves delivering sustainable practical conservation work, rescuing wild plants on the brink of extinction, protecting botanically exceptional sites, and influencing the relevant policy and legislation governing our native wild plants.
Plantlife is the only organisation in the UK whose sole purpose is the conservation of wild plants in their native habitats. It would encourage everyone to become a member or supporter of Plantlife to help get the message across that native flora is the bedrock upon which all our wildlife rests.
