Hosts know this well: the earth is not a factory and nature does not work in compartments. Hedgerows, earthworms, bees, crop rotations and soil care are pieces of the same puzzle. Yet, at the institutional level, there is always a need to be reminded that biodiversity and agriculture must walk together.

These days we have an opportunity to do so. The public consultation on the National Wildlife Restoration Plan is underway, but the games close on June 9.

If we want agroecology to become the backbone of environmental and agricultural policies in the coming years, we can move now. And who better than WWOOF Hosts can testify that another way of farming is not only possible, but vital?

How can we get active (It only takes 5 minutes).

The AIDA association has already done the heavy lifting by preparing a detailed technical input. It is up to us to gain critical mass by filling out the general questionnaire, which is open to everyone (really everyone, even WWOOFers can do it!).

Here are the steps to participate:

1. Click on the consultation link: Go to Participate.gov.uk – Restore Plan Consultation.
2. Answer the questions in the general questionnaire.
3. Make a difference to Question 35 (General comments): Here you can express your opinion freely. To help you make the case for agroecology principles, we offer an outline that you can freely customize with your own experience in the field.

The text we suggest to take as a starting point in Question 35:

I consider it a priority that the Plan explicitly recognizes agroecology as a framework for restoring agricultural ecosystems and pollinators (Articles 10 and 11). Biodiversity-friendly practices such as reduction of chemical and pesticide inputs, crop diversification, rotations, cover crops, agroforestry, management and creation of landscape elements (hedges, rows, flower strips, ponds), should not remain isolated interventions, but be integrated into a systemic approach linking biodiversity, soil, landscape and sustainable agricultural production.

Why your contribution is critical

As custodians of the land, we know that a hedge is not just a border — or a flower strip is not just to create a beautiful landscape. They are ecological infrastructure. Calling for the National Plan to see these practices not as isolated interventions but as a systemic approach is the only way to truly protect pollinators and soil fertility.

Let’s not just let these decisions be made over our heads (and over our fields).

We have until June 9. Participate, use the AIDA track and, if you like, share this appeal.