At first glance, they are just coloured stripes. One set shows how temperatures in Gloucestershire have changed since 1850. The other shows the decline of priority wildlife species in the UK since 1970. Together, they tell two of the most important environmental stories of our time.
The climate is changing. Nature is declining.
This weekend, people around the world are sharing climate stripes as part of #ShowYourStripes. We wanted to share biodiversity stripes too, because climate and nature are deeply connected. The climate stripes show a clear shift from cooler blues to warmer reds, reflecting the rise in average temperatures over time. The biodiversity stripes tell a different but equally important story. The gradual fading from green to grey reflects the decline of many of the species that help make our landscapes rich, resilient and alive.
For many people, these changes can feel distant or abstract. But they are also local. Across Gloucestershire and Cheltenham, people are noticing changes in the natural world around them. Hotter summers. More intense rainfall. Periods of drought followed by flooding. Concerns about the loss of insects, birds and other wildlife that once felt commonplace.
At Cheltenham Action for Nature, we spend a lot of time talking to local people and organisations about these challenges. We hear about rivers that need restoring, species that need better habitats, and the growing importance of helping nature recover in our gardens, parks and green spaces.
The good news is that the stripes are not a prediction of the future. They are a record of the past. They show us what has happened. They do not tell us what must happen next. Across Cheltenham, people are already taking action. They are creating wildlife ponds, planting trees, restoring habitats, growing pollinator-friendly flowers, improving soil health, helping rivers recover and finding ways to make more space for nature where they live.
Individually, these actions can seem small. Collectively, they help create healthier habitats, stronger wildlife populations and a more resilient landscape. That is why we believe local action matters. Nature recovery does not only happen in nature reserves. It happens in gardens, parks, allotments, school grounds, churchyards, rivers and the many outdoor spaces that connect our town together.
The challenges shown by the stripes are significant. But so is the opportunity. Every tree planted, pond created, flower allowed to bloom and habitat restored is part of a different story – one in which people and nature thrive together. The stripes remind us why that work matters. And why there is still every reason to be hopeful.
Ways to Get Involved
One of the exciting things we’ve discovered over the six months is just how many people across Cheltenham are already helping nature in their own way. Some are creating wildlife-friendly gardens. Some are helping care for local habitats. Others are sharing knowledge, volunteering, growing food, recording wildlife or simply taking the time to notice and appreciate the nature around them.
If you’d like to get involved, explore the stories and resources on our website, sign up to our newsletter, come along to an event, or help us spread the word by sharing our work with friends, neighbours and local groups.
Cheltenham Action for Nature is a volunteer-led project, and we’re grateful to everyone who supports what we do. If you’ve enjoyed our stories, resources and local nature news, you can also help by making a donation. Every contribution helps us continue connecting people, sharing ideas and supporting nature recovery across Cheltenham. Donate here
Visit the #ShowYourStripes website for more info on the stripes.
