An event to help reverse the biodiversity decline and restore nature in the UK is being held later this month.

Ryedale Environment Group is organising a Restoring Nature Conference in Kirby Misperton on Friday, September 27. The event will provide updates, inspiration and advice on how local authorities, groups and individuals can help nature to recover.

Peter Winter, Secretary of Ryedale Environment Group said: "In the past 80 years we have lost about 97% of wildflower meadows, mainly due to modern agricultural methods. Sadly, the UK is now one of the poorest countries in the world for biodiversity.

"Wildflowers provide a colourful habitat for butterflies, bees and insects, and with the decline in wildflowers there has been a corresponding reduction in insect numbers. Bees and other insects are pollinators of 80% of all plant species, including most fruits, many vegetables, and some biofuel crops. In just the last 10 years we have lost around 13 species of bees and another 35 are currently at risk. A reduction in insects has also had a significant negative effect on some birds, such as swifts."

Peter added: "“We all need to do more to give mother nature a helping hand.

“In particular, parish and town councils will be coming under increasing pressure to fulfil their biodiversity duties. However, this event is open to anyone with an interest in increasing biodiversity in our beautiful area of Yorkshire."

Speakers will include experts from North Yorkshire Council, North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills National Landscape. Case studies will also be presented by Pickering and Kirkbymoorside Town Councils, where projects are already underway to create wildflower verges in the towns. There will be time on the day for networking and seeking advice from stallholders.

The event will run from 9am until 4pm and includes breakfast and lunch. It is free to attend, though a suggested donation of £15 will help Ryedale Environment Group to hold similar events in the future. The conference is part of the Group’s Restoring Ryedale initiative, and is supported by the North York Moors National Park’s Ryevitalise project and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Delegates can register via Eventbrite (search “Restoring Nature Conference”). Anyone requiring further information or interested in getting involved in Restoring Ryedale can email RyedaleEG@hotmail.com.