Short film reveals more space needed for UK wildlife

Environmental organisation Friends of the Earth released a thought provoking film this week to ask the question: can we make space for nature?

With 4 out of 5 members of the British public over-estimating how built-up the UK is, and 90% underestimating how many species of birds, animals, plants and fish are under-threat, it’s clear we don’t have a good picture of the country we live in.

UK in 100 seconds is voiced by poet Benjamin Zephania and made by guerrilla geographer Daniel Raven-Ellison and filmmaker Jack Smith. Each second of the film reveals 1% of our country as it looks from above and re-imagines how the UK could be better used to make more space for wildlife.

Speaking about why he made the film, guerrilla geographer Daniel Raven-Ellison, said:

“Despite having travelled the UK extensively, I realised that I didn’t really know what the UK looks like. The country is just too big and complicated to get a proper sense of proportion.

“When so many people are saying that there is no space in the country, I wanted to show what it looks like so that we can have a better-informed discussion about our country’s future.”

Craig Bennett, Friends of the Earth Chief Executive, said:

“It’s clear that people don’t realise just how much UK wildlife is under-threat, yet 1 in 10 British species are at risk of extinction. Our natural environment is about more than scenic landscapes – it is crucial for our food, health and well-being.

“We hope this film will make spark a debate on how we can make more space for nature everywhere; including our homes, workplaces, farms, towns, cities and countryside.”

Friends of the Earth is campaigning to make more space for nature everywhere for the benefit of people and wildlife. This means bringing nature to life in towns, cities and where we live, learn and work, not just consigning it to special reserves.

View the full film: https://vimeo.com/291108273/53cf4b27a8