Write to your councillor
What should I ask my councillor to do?
Your councillors can do a lot for nature. You could ask them to do something positive such as leaving areas of grass long for nature. You could ask them to prevent something harmful like spraying public areas with weedkillers. You could also show them support by asking them to continue doing something that is already good for nature.
Whatever your ask, make sure it is clear and something that they can reasonably do. If you are ever unsure, you can always ask a question about what they are doing to help nature. If enough people speak up, it sends a strong signal that nature’s recovery is an important local issue.
I am a local councillor and doing all I can but my fellow councillors hear a lot more from the vocal minority who see nature as threatening and messy. It would be refreshing to have democratic debate triggered by nature lovers on such an important matter.
c. Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
© Katrina Martin / 2020VISION
Vaughn Matthews
Jon Hawkins – Surrey Hills Photography
What should I write?
The more personal a message is, the more likely it is that your councillor will take notice. Try using these prompts as a starting point.
Dear Councillor ____,
step one – share your love of nature
- Why does nature matter to you?
- Is there a local place that is fantastic for nature?
- Why is this place important to you?
step two – share your worries
- What are you concerned about?
- What has motivated you to write to them?
- How do you feel about the current state of nature?
step three – ask them to take an action
- What do you want them to do?
- What impact would this action have?
- What would you like to see five-ten years from now if this happened?
Yours faithfully,
Your name
Your address
Your postcode
Remember, always be polite and respectful, even if your councillor has different political views to your own. If you start conversations with an open mind and assume the person you are writing to is willing to help, you are much more likely to get the result you want.
If you want more tips on how to talk to politicians, read what our Campaigns Manager has to say.
How do I find my councillor’s details?
Write to Them allows you to enter your post code to find out who your local councillors are.
You may have up to three councillors who represent your area so why not write to them all?
What can my council do for nature?
Councils have control over local decision making. They have a say in things such as:
- the way parks and community spaces are managed
- how often road verges are cut
- where development takes place
- which spaces are protected
- where trees, meadows and other habitats are restored
- what action is taken on the climate crisis
Your councillors are elected to represent you and your community so, the more people that contact them, the more likely they are to do something for nature.
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