Collage featuring images of wildlife: a salmon leaping through water, a close-up of a wood ant, a Eurasian lynx in a grassy area, common oysters underwater, and a Eurasian beaver swimming. A green panel with a stylised logo of hills, trees and a river contains the text: "What does Reform UK’s manifesto mean for nature? Scotland’s keystone species respond."
Graphic with a green header saying "Meet our panel" in yellow text. Below, illustrations of a beaver, salmon, lynx, oyster, and ant are aligned vertically. Text reads "Over the coming month, our panel of Scotland's keystone species will be reviewing the 2026 election manifestos and scoring them based on what they deliver for nature. Because if a policy doesn’t work for nature, does it really work for us? First up: Reform UK."
Analysis of the Reform UK manifesto in a scorecard style, based on how it delivers for nature. Illustrations of a beaver, salmon, lynx, oyster, and ant are aligned vertically, alongside each animal's ratings and a quote. Beaver (2/5 trees) notes the need for funding in coexistence and restoration. Salmon (1/5 pebbles) criticises lack of river mentions. Lynx (1/5 paws) highlights need for lynx reintroduction support. Oyster (0/5 water drops) notes omission of sustainable fishing. Wood ant (2/5 aphids) comments on concerns about funding for native woodlands. Icons visually represent the ratings.
A graphic titled "Open letter from one very busy beaver" features an illustration of a beaver. Below, on a green background, the text reads: "Dear candidates, I was feeling pretty chuffed with myself, honestly – reducing floods, boosting biodiversity and improving local water quality, all without filing an expense claim. But I just read the first of the election manifestos – and I don’t even get a mention. I’ve spent years proving my worth, but it still feels like I’m on a probation period that never ends. I’m staring at a small leak in my pond right now. The water’s trickling out – a bit like my patience. Dam it. I’ve shown you what’s possible. Now I need you alongside me – or all this good work only goes so far."
Ahead of the election, we’ve asked our panel of Scotland's keystone species to review the 2026 manifestos and assess how well they deliver for nature and the ecosystems we all depend on. First up: Reform UK.
📷 @scotlandtbp.bsky.social
Oyster image © Pouvreau Stephane doi.org/10.24351/48842
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