Wildlife trust aims to raise £20,000 in a week

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is taking part in the Big Give’s Green Match Fund.

The charity aims to raise £20,000 in just one week, from 22 to 29 April, with the vital extra funds being used to protect Wiltshire's 135 critical-list species through enhanced habitat management and nature-based climate solutions. 

Donations made to the trust’s Double the Difference for Nature Appeal during the Big Give’s Green Match Fund will be doubled by Big Give’s Champions, effectively doubling the impact of every contribution towards safeguarding Wiltshire’s precious wildlife.

Becki Mckinlay, the trust's Director of Fundraising and Engagement, said: “This year, we’re aiming to raise £20,000 to deliver crucial conservation work across Wiltshire. 

"To unlock the £10,000 match funding, we need to raise £10,000 in online donations over one week. It’s a tall order for the team, so we are asking everyone to give generously and help us achieve our target, enabling us to continue the vital work we are so passionate about. 

"By supporting us, you’ll be directly contributing to the survival of 135 species that are vital to our local ecosystem.”

Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire are collectively home to 135 species at critical risk due to the impacts of climate change, including increased flooding, rising temperatures, and soil damage. 

Iconic species such as the water vole, whose populations are drastically declining due to habitat loss and changing water levels, and the delicate marsh fritillary butterfly, vulnerable to changes in its grassland habitat, are among those facing an uncertain future. The rare and elusive Bechstein’s bat, dependent on mature woodlands, is also under threat from habitat fragmentation. 

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust says its Double the Difference for Nature Appeal will directly address these challenges by enhancing biodiversity and creating resilient habitats across reserves and landholdings, using cutting-edge technology and nature-based solutions. 

The trust says that this, in conjunction with implementing increased monitoring to optimise habitat management for these critical species, and expanding collaboration with landowners and farmers to promote nature-friendly practices, is the best bet for halting the decline of wildlife in Wiltshire. 

By acting now, we can safeguard these vital species and ensure a thriving future for Wiltshire's natural heritage.

People can get involved by visiting BigGive.org and donating to the Double the Difference for Nature Appeal project from noon on 22 April until noon on 29 April. They can also set a reminder and bookmark the campaign page bit.ly/WWTBIGG