We delight in seeing butterflies and bees floating by, and birds hopping along our garden walls, yet a new report has laid bare the disturbing reality that some of the wildlife we take for granted is declining.

According to the State of Nature report, published by a coalition of leading conservation and research organisations, 60 per cent of species studied have declined over recent decades and more than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing from our shores completely.

In West Yorkshire, experts are particularly concerned about the state of nature in the uplands. The report found that out of the 886 species for which there is information, 65 per cent have declined.

Nick Adams, the RSPB’s conservation manager for Yorkshire, says: “Many of the species that are in trouble live in the extensive upland areas of the county. These range from bilberry bumblebees and mountain hares, to twite and golden plovers. More species have become extinct in the uplands than any other area, so we have to act now to protect this precious and fragile habitat.”

Conservationists in the region are working to reverse declines of species.

Launched on Wednesday by Sir David Attenborough and UK conservation charities at the Natural History Museum, the State of the Nature report gives a groundbreaking insight into the impact of issues such as climate change affecting the habitats within our landscapes.

“This groundbreaking report is a stark warning – but it is also a sign of hope,” said Sir David. “This report shows our species are in trouble, with many declining at a worrying rate. However, we have in this country a network of passionate conservation groups supported by millions of people who love wildlife.

“The experts have come together to highlight the amazing nature we have around us and to ensure that it remains here for generations to come.”

Dr Mark Eaton, a lead author on the report, adds: “This report reveals that the UK’s nature is in trouble – overall we are losing wildlife at an alarming rate.

“These declines are happening across all countries and UK overseas territories, habitats and species groups, although it is probably greatest among insects, such as our moths, butterflies and beetles. Other once-common species like the lesser spotted woodpecker, garden tiger moth and hedgehog are vanishing before our eyes.

“Reliable data on these species goes back just 50 years, at most, but we know that there has been a historical pattern of loss in the UK going back even further.

“Threats including sweeping habitat loss, changes to the way we manage our countryside, and the more recent impact of climate change, have had a major impact on our wildlife, and they are not going away.

“None of this work would have been possible without the army of volunteer wildlife enthusiasts who spend their spare time surveying species and recording their findings.

“Our knowledge of nature in the UK would be significantly poorer without these unsung heroes, and that knowledge is the most essential tool that conservationists have.”

Julia Pearson, environment programme manager with Bradford Environmental Education Services (BEES), part of Bradford YMCA – which works with volunteers, schools and community groups to develop an interest in conservation, nature and wildlife – fears that some farming uplands may be put under greater pressure if European subsidies change regarding fields that are currently managed for meadows.

If this happens, she says we can all do our bit to help. “We as individuals compensate for that by what we do in our gardens or local parks.

“There is a lot people can do, and I think there is a lot more awareness of that,” says Julia, referring to organisations and companies such as B&Q, which is promoting bee-friendly plants.

“It is about spreading the message because I don’t think it is always clear what the ongoing impact is. If people want to keep their gardens neat and tidy, they are reducing habitat for bees and wildlife,” explains Julia.

Emphasising the benefits of Ecosystems Services, through water and soil quality and the health benefits, she adds: “Wildlife is not just there for our pleasure.

“Being in touch with nature has physical benefits, but also mental health benefits because there is evidence that natural green space offers a lot of mental health support – people feel good about it.”