The Wildlife Trusts Annual Impact Report 2017-18

The Wildlife Trustsimpact report 2017/2018

Thank Dormouse © Clare Pengellyyou! Cover image: Children playing © Helena Dolby Nature Festival, Newington Green © Abi MarchOur vision is of people close to nature, with landand seas rich in wildlife. Yet never before hassociety been more isolated from nature; and ourwildlife so depleted. We are committed to puttingnature into recovery.The Wildlife Trusts movement is founded upon the belief thatpeople taking action in the places closest and most important tothem is a powerful force for change. So wherever you live, thereare people saving wild places and standing up for wildlife througha Wildlife Trust near you.If you share our belief that the natural world is valuable in its ownright and that everyone deserves to live in a healthy wildlife-richnatural world, please join us. And a big thank you to all themembers, partners and supporters who helped us during 2017-18.Peta Foxall, Chair Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive02 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Save Smithy Wood © Sheffield & Rotherham WTVolunteer © Matthew RobertsChildren learning © Helena Dolby Girl volunteering © Penny Dixie Cows © Matthew Roberts Coral © Linda Pitkin/2020VISION 03 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

A year for wildlifeAPRIL MAY JUNE J U LY AUGUST SEPTEMBERHickling Broad Cornwall gets its Thousands spend Kids deliver A successful More youngsaved for future beavers back after 30 Days Wild 1,500 friendship year for Scottish leaders for naturegenerations 400 years bracelets to 10 ospreys in Northern In June, The Wildlife Downing Street IrelandOne of the most Beavers have returned Trusts called on the The two osprey chickswildlife-rich wetlands to Cornwall in a trial nation to do something We delivered over 1500 from this year’s brood Working with sevenin the UK has been reintroduction project, wild every day, for personal messages at Loch of the Lowes Secondary schoolssaved. A successful based on a working 30 days. Over 68,000 from children to successfully set off in the Larne andappeal by Norfolk dairy farm. Farmer people answered, as Theresa May. The on their migration to Carrickfergus area,Wildlife Trust means Chris Jones has teamed well as 9,000 schools messages were written Africa. This summer Ulster Wildlife hasthat over 655 acres of up with Cornwall and 1,500 businesses. on friendship bracelets marked the third encouraged youngland were added to Wildlife Trust and the Research shows that and asked the Prime successful year of people to care for theirthe existing Hickling University of Exeter 30 Days Wild helps Minister to protect the the Scottish Wildlife environment and takeBroad nature reserve, to release two beavers to improve people’s sea for their future by Trust’s osprey project action for wildlife inprotecting more of this into an enclosure connection to nature designating Marine in Perthshire. This their communities.unique place – and its where their impact and their likelihood to Conservation Zones. project is ensuring This has beenkingfishers, cranes, on habitats and water help nature. these stunning birds supported by corporateotters and butterflies – quality will be studied. can thrive in Scotland partner AES.for the future. once again.04 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Photo credits: April © Amy Lewis, May © Clare James, July © Chris Wood, August © Emyr Evans, September © Niall Benvie 2020VISION, October © Ross Hoddinott 2020VISION, November © GWT, December © Neil Aldridge, January © Nik Pollard, February © Tom Marshall, March © Maurice GordonOCTOBER NOVEMBER DECECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCHNew research on Gwent volunteers Almost 2,000 Homes for people New report shows A warm welcomeimpact of nature win Environmental seal pups born and wildlife water voles need for visitors tovolunteering Award in Lincolnshire guidelines urgent help Yorkshire launchedNew research showed A group of long-term 2017 was a record year A 10 year study by The A new visitor centrethat 95% of people Gwent Wildlife Trust for the seal colony at The Wildlife Trusts Wildlife Trusts shows opened at one ofwith poor mental volunteers received an Donna Nook which published guidelines to a 30% decline in water Yorkshire’s mosthealth improved award for their wildlife is looked after by show how new housing vole numbers in areas special wild placessignificantly after 12 conservation work Lincolnshire Wildlife can provide greener where they used to – Spurn Point. Thisweeks of volunteering in the Living Valleys Trust. Almost 2,000 homes for people and live. Wildlife Trusts narrow finger of sandwith Wildlife Trusts. area. Volunteers help seals were born at wildlife. Developments are working to restore that curves into theThe results were with shepherding, the nature reserve, can reverse the declines water vole populations Humber Estuary isdocumented in a butterfly recording, which stretches for in wildlife, creating a in rivers where they home to special wildlife,new research paper office work and more. six miles along the better future for us have become extinct military remains and apublished jointly with Gwent Association Lincolnshire coast. all. Some housebuilders but we need more lighthouse. The centrethe University of Essex. of Voluntary It’s part of chain of are already using support to scale up will help more people Organisations gave nature reserves along these guidelines. this work. to enjoy Spurn’s wildlife the award. the coast managed and explore its past. by the Wildlife Trust.05 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

The Otter © Andy Rouse/2020VISIONWildlifeTrusts06 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

The Wildlife Trusts is a grassroots movement 1 Wildlife Trustthat believes we need nature and it needs us. movement 35,000Nearly 850,000 members and 35,000 volunteers work together volunteersthrough their Wildlife Trust to make their local area wilderand make nature part of life, for everyone. 2,300There are Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK,the Isle of Man and Alderney. Every Wildlife Trust is an natureindependent charity. reservesOver 46 TWT HQ50 Wildlife Trustscoastaland marine = Wildlife Trust nature reservesconservationprojects850,000 members07 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Bringing Volunteering atpeople Attenborough,closer to Nottinghamshire.nature Volunteering © Matthew Roberts08 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Our impact 1mHow many people experienced nature Random Acts of Wildnesswith The Wildlife Trusts in 2017/18? were committed by people in our 30 Days Wild campaign 9,600 10m 1.7m children had fun at our visits were made volunteer466,500 Wildlife Watch groups to experience hours given by our 35,000 wildlife at our volunteers nature reserves 17,900people learnt more about 333,700wildlife at our events people gained new skills on our people engaged with training courses nature through our visits to schools, care homes and community groups09 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Meet Sue,the sea-watcherSue used to work in medical sales, travelling Sue © NWWTthousands of miles a week. But eventually thetravelling took its toll and she made the decision Sue is helping people build connectionsto give up full time work. with coastal wildlife that will last a lifetimeAt first Sue wasn’t sure what she would do This year she volunteered at roadshows Sue’s dedication to wildlife has led to herwith her time. She wanted to be outdoors and organised by North Wales Wildlife Trust to becoming a Living Seas Champion. She will nowsomewhere that would keep time in the car to celebrate the Year of the Sea. Sue helped people be going it solo, leading her own events at hera minimum. Volunteering seemed to be the to swim with dolphins through virtual reality local beaches, helping more people to learn aboutperfect option. But little did she know the and showed them natural treasures she collected their local seas and their wildlife.impact that contacting North Wales Wildlife from the beach. New projects Sue is involvedTrust would have. with include shore surveys and the Memory Sue loves volunteering with North Wales Wildlife Pod, a project that involves recording people’s Trust. For her every day is a school day. A chanceSue was invited to join North Wales Wildlife memories of the sea. to learn, have fun and make a difference.Trust’s Living Seas project which trains people tobecome local champions for sea-life. Sue attendedtraining days and learnt how to identify shells,birds, dolphins, rock pool creatures, shark eggcases and even seaweed.The Wildlife Trust runs pop-up educationalevents on the beaches of north Wales where Suetalks to families, inspiring adults and childrenalike with her wildlife skills. Sue is helping peoplebuild connections with coastal wildlife that willlast a lifetime.10 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Meet Eddie,the wildlifefarmerEddie had been unemployed for three years after Eddie © Paul Thompsonleaving college. One day he spotted a poster forthe Tomorrow’s Natural Leaders programme with Overall my mental well-being is a lot better than it was.Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. A career in conservation I’ve got more of an idea of where I want to go as a job nowhadn’t interested him before, but his employmentcoach encouraged him to apply. So he did. He says, “My confidence has improved massively, never had the confidence. Working here on this after three years of unemployment I was cut off. farm I’ve gained more of an interest in this kindFor the next year Eddie became a trainee at Overall my mental well-being is a lot better than of work. It’s pushed me over the tipping point.”Yorkshire Wildlife Trust learning how to look it was. I’ve got more of an idea of where I wantafter some of Yorkshire’s finest wildlife and wild to go as a job now and I can use the wealth of Eddie is now interested in conservation and hopesplaces. This meant learning how to care for nature knowledge I have learned”. to continue his career working in environmentallyreserves, survey habitats and learning how to friendly farming.drive a tractor. “I will probably head into the agricultural industry. It is something I have always wanted to do butThe programme also involved taking on a self-led project. For this Eddie took down and restoreda dry stone wall sheep pen in the Yorkshire Dales.Eddie and his project partner also taught ateam of young people from the NationalCitizenship Scheme how to do dry stone wallingas part of this.Eddie has found that he enjoys working outsideon the farm. It has helped him develop hisconfidence, skills and experience for a futurecareer outdoors.11 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Standing Willow warblers Coopers Hill © Josh Halonup forwildlife Coopers Hill, nearand wild Leighton Buzzard.places One of 2,300 Wildlife Trust nature reserves Adders Tiger beetles12 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Our impact The illustration here shows the land area Wildlife Trusts directly impact through management andHow much land do Wildlife Trusts help advice. We indirectly impact a much bigger area of landsave for nature? and sea by influencing national policy. In 2017-18 we fought off a government proposal to reduce protection for 43,000 Local Wildlife Sites in the planning system, and we campaigned for 41 new Marine Conservation Zones to protect areas of the seabed. We work locally and nationally to create land and seas rich in wildlife. Area of land in our Area of land we Area of land protected own nature reserves: provide advice on: by influencing planning decisions: 102,157ha 144,704ha 19,508haSeabed in new MarineConservation Zones: Area of land in our Biodiversity11,700km2 Benchmark scheme: 8,700haLength of Length ofwatercourses Trusts watercoursesprovided advice on: managed:2,078km 6,920km13 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Cromer Chalk Beds © Rob Spray Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds, Norfolk Saving a special undersea reef The seas surrounding the UK are filled with a diversity of life. But our marine environment is at risk. Intensive fishing, plastic pollution and development continues to threaten the delicate balance of life at sea. Proposals to build an offshore windfarm off the Norfolk coast threatened part of a precious chalk reef. It’s part of the longest chalk reef in the world which is home to some of the most diverse marine life in the UK. Its importance as a habitat had been recognised through the designation of the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone – making the area a nature reserve under the sea. The Wildlife Trusts were determined to stop this threat. Our influencing work resulted in two developers rerouting the cables from the offshore wind farm to avoid the destructive impacts on the chalk reef. To do this we used data on the reef that Wildlife Trust divers had collected in undersea surveys. Seeing this fragile and unique habitat being protected is a brilliant success for wildlife. 14 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Bodenham Lake and hide © Herefordshire WTLake,HerefordshireSaving local wildlife sites where they should be protected from development. Local Wildlife Sites, In 2018, government removed this protection in new like Bodenham Lake, areHerefordshire’s landscapes are defined by planning guidance for councils. The Wildlife Trusts vital refuges for wildlifefarmland fields and hilly uplands, but the clear, ran an emergency campaign in response. 25,000still waters of Bodenham Lake are a hidden gem. people contacted the Government, we met with MPs and policy advisors, secured media coverage andBodenham Lake, created from gravel pits in the finally achieved a reinstatement of protection forLugg Valley, covers an area of over 20 ha. It’s thousands of places like Bodenham Lake.Herefordshire’s biggest lake, banked by meadowsand an ancient orchard whilst the river Luggruns close by.In winter, birds visit the lakes and flooded fieldsalong the valley. On arrival they’re exhaustedand starving. Bodenham Lake is a place wherethey can rest and feed free of disturbance.The Lake is designated as a Local WildlifeSite. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust plan tomake the most of this wonderful landscapeby creating a varied habitat to benefit as muchwildlife as possible.Local Wildlife Sites, like Bodenham Lake, are vitalrefuges for wildlife. There are more than 43,000Local Wildlife Sites across the UK. Most areprivately owned and the only formal protectionthey have is through national planning policy15 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Partnerships Siemens © Donald SutherlandSiemens volunteers at Whisby Nature Park,Lincolnshire. 75% of employees reportedimproved mental wellbeing afterwards.16 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Our impactThe Wildlife Trusts work with thousands of businesses.At a UK level our relationships are many and varied,and include a small number of formal partnerships. More wildlife on farmland More funds raised for nature conservation More children learning about and connecting with wildlife More space for Improving employee nature in new housing wellbeing and infrastructure developments17 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Tractor behind orchid © Terry Whittaker2020VISION Biodiversity Benchmark We believe that by working together people can change the natural world for the better. The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark certification has recognised the contribution of business landowners since 2007. There are 13 organisations that have achieved this award with 53 sites between them, covering 8,700 hectares. Center Parcs Center Parcs has been certified to Biodiversity Benchmark for ten years. Management of the Forest Holiday Villages has continually created and enhanced habitat, supporting more wildlife including at Longleat in Wiltshire where otters and dormice have moved in. Being in a natural place and experiencing wildlife is a core element of Center Parcs’ offer to its guests and the business is thriving. Sites belonging to the following organisations retained their certification in 2017-18 following an annual assessment: Center Parcs UK, Heathrow Airport Ltd, Aggregate Industries UK, Tarmac Ltd, EDF Nuclear Generation, Lilly UK, Viridor UK, Veolia, Met Office, Network Rail HS1, Wrigley, Gatwick Airport, Green Park. Both Aggregate Industries UK and Center Parcs UK have added a new site to their certification. 18 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

Funders Young people outdoors © Yorkshire Dales Park AuthorityOur work relies on the financial support of ourmembers, donors, and legators. The majority of ourincome comes from these supporters. We are alsovery grateful for the grants that make many of ourindividual projects possible. These are received fromlocal authorities, statutory agencies, governments,charitable trusts, lotteries and funds like the LandfillCommunities Fund whose support is vital to ourefforts to secure nature’s recovery and bring peoplecloser to nature.People’s Postcode LotteryPlayers of People’s Postcode Lottery continue tosupport our Forest Schools in 11 major cities. Thisyear, 20,000 children and young people benefitedfrom regular time in nature and 237 teachers receivedtraining and improved their confidence in teachinglessons outdoors.Big Lottery FundThe Our Bright Future partnership programme is ledby The Wildlife Trusts. It brings together the youthand environmental sectors thanks to £33 millionfrom the Big Lottery Fund. It is formed of 31 projectsacross the UK and has recently celebrated beating itstarget of engaging with 80,000 11-24 year olds.Heritage Lottery FundMany Wildlife Trusts benefit from funding from theHeritage Lottery Fund. A vast new wild landscapewill be created in the Suffolk Broads thanks to £4mfrom the Heritage Lottery Fund enabling SuffolkWildlife Trust to buy 348 acres of land and create anew visitor centre.19 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

About us The Wildlife Trusts have 2,500 staff around the UK. Here’s the team that look after our nature reserves in Devon and their dogs, Lottie and Sparky Devon WT nature reserves team © Matt Austin20 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

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Our collective Hare in daisies © David Tipling/2020VISIONfinances Individual Trusts Individual Trusts £129.2m £143.1mIncome Expenditure Income at a UK Spend on Wildlife Trust * Income for 2017-18 does and England level activity at a UK and not include £5.8m from Biffa England level for Biffa Award and £6.9m £5.1m from Big Lottery Fund for £6m Our Bright Future22 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018 * Figures exclude inter-Trust grants and contributions

The Wildlife Trusts Key People and Supporters Patron HRH The Prince of Wales President Tony Juniper CBE Presidents Emeritus Simon King OBE Sir David Attenborough OM CH CVO CBE FRS Prof Aubrey Manning OBE FRSE Chair Peta Foxall Vice Presidents Prof J Chris Baines Nick Baker Prof David Macdonald CBE Bill Oddie OBE Julian Pettifer OBE Prof Sir Robert Worcester KBE Chief Executive Stephanie Hilborne OBE23 | Our year for wildlife – The Wildlife Trusts impact report 2017/2018

© Terry Whittaker/2020VISION Make wildlife part of your story: • Join us as a member • Volunteer your time • Speak up for wildlife • Remember us in your will • Work with us Find out more at: wildlifetrusts.org/support-us The Wildlife Trusts The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Notts NG24 1WT t 01636 677 711 f 01636 670 001 e [email protected] wildlifetrusts.org @wildlifetrusts The Wildlife Trusts Registered Charity No 207238. Designed by Boults Studio.