THOUSANDS of people from across the UK descended on Westminster to call for urgent action to tackle climate change.

Amongst the contingent were staff and volunteers from the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, climate change activists from across the county, as well as Lake District National Trust rangers.

Jess Darwin, a ranger for Windermere, said: "I’m now seeing the impacts of flooding and drought conditions on a regular basis in the Lakes.

"Bird, insect and mammal species are struggling to survive with the rate of climate change on top of everything else.

"I’m calling on the Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron and all politicians to back stronger laws that will restore a healthy, beautiful natural environment – both in the Lake District and across the UK."

Organisers estimate that more than 12,000 people took part in the mass lobby, entitled 'The Time is Now'.

The group were met outside Parliament by more than 200 MPs, with whom they discussed issues such as the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as well as the need for fast action if the Government was to meet its 2050 'net zero emissions' target.

At 2pm the lobbyists set off alarms, to reflect their message that 'The Time is Now' to act.

Laura Jones, Cumbria coordinator for Christian Aid, said: "The Earth’s alarm clock is ringing and our MPs have to wake up and take action.

"Life as we know it is at stake, these are unprecedented times and it is absolutely crucial for governments to take ambitious action to nurture our planet and its people."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron was one of those who met the lobby; taking questions from members of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and listening to speeches from Grasmere School pupils.

He said: "The climate emergency is the biggest issue that we face bar none.

“So, it was hugely encouraging to see so many folk from across our area travel down to London to lobby MPs to act.

“It was particularly inspiring to meet pupils from Grasmere primary school and hear how strongly they feel about the need to protect our planet.

“I know from conversations I’ve had in Westminster that the work that young people are doing to highlight the climate emergency is definitely changing the minds of Government ministers and civil servants, when it comes to things like the need to invest in more environmentally friendly public transport – but there is still so much more to do."