The Dumping of UK Biodiversity

The UK didn't just kick off climate change, in its Industrial Revolution (1760-1840). The country also waved goodbye to much of its biodiversity. A study by the Natural History Museum (NHM) found that the UK lost half of its biodiversity since the Industrial Revolution (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/10/nearly-half-of-britains-biodiversity-has-gone-since-industrial-revolution). Farming and urban spread, triggered by the Industrial and the following Agricultural Revolution, appear to have accounted for the losses of many native animals and plants (it's striking that bacteria and fungi don't even get a mention). The UK has lost more biodiversity than any other G7 (rich) country. The country is actually in the worst global 10% for biodiversity loss. Much of the SE of England is a 'biodiversity desert'. Only the remoter parts of Northern England, Scotland and Wales appear to have hung on to 'rarer' species of animals and plants. The NHM study was in preparation for a UN Biodiversity Conference on plans to halt the loss of wildlife. Asking for a UK perspective on halting biodiversity loss, actually seems a bit odd. The country has been very effective in destroying its own biodiversity. Recent indications (e.g. insect numbers) suggest that the decline in UK biodiversity continues.