Unknown activists are spreading awareness of environmental threats with blue plaques posted near natural areas across Richmond Borough.  

Blue plaques have become an icon across the country for their use in commemorating notable people and locations from history.  

However, small laminated signs mimicking the plaques have been spotted around local green spaces. 

The plaques use provoking messages to highlight the issues and threats facing nature in the UK, and have been placed in greener parts of Ham and Richmond in the hope of inspiring others to join their conversationist cause. 

The plaques are designed to mimic the iconic British heritage plaques. (Photo: Alfie Perrin)

While the signs don't provide the organisation or individuals behind the scheme, the mystery behind the elusive messages can be found through the scanning of a QR code on each sign, leading to the home page of nature activism group, Restore Nature Now (RNN).  

The faux-plaques seem to resonate with the public, with one local describing them as "thought-provoking" and "meaningful". 

The plaques are part of a wider campaign by the group, which has seen a 60,000-person march through London – the largest nature march the UK has ever seen – on 22 June.  

On their website, RNN acknowledges those who "worked tirelessly [to] send a clear message to the next government" to protect and restore nature.  

A few of the signs have been spotted in Richmond Borough's more urban areas. (Photo: Oliver Monk)

Aside from the march, Restore Nature Now also encourages a continuation of the campaign through various other methods, such as the 'Letters To The Earth' movement, where supporters send a letter the Prime Minister in the form of an origami bird to encourage conservationist action from the government.  

The activist group's main aims include a pay rise for agricultural workers in the UK, a decline in the use of fossil fuels by big business, the expansion of protected natural areas, and effective climate action. 

The organisation says on their website: "We cannot save nature without solving the climate crisis." 

RNN is supported by over 300 organisations, consisting of nationwide groups such as The National Trust as well as global movements like the WWF and Extinction Rebellion. 

To find out more, visit their website here. 

If you spot any other blue plaques out and about, send a picture to the editor at [email protected] for a chance to be featured on Nub News.