Wiltshire Wildlife Trust appeal to save Braydon Forest birds

Between 22 April and 29 April, every pound donated to the Protecting the Birds of Braydon Forest campaign will be doubled via the national Earth Raise campaign, meaning one donation has twice the potential to help restore the dawn chorus of farmland birds.
The Braydon Forest, lying about six miles North West of Swindon and running from the Wiltshire-Gloucestershire border down to Ravensroost Wood Nature Reserve near Malmesbury, is a patchwork of ancient woodland and traditional farmland, and represents a vital stronghold for the farmland bird species who nest there. 
The forest is also an area that the Trust has been working in to protect nature for decades. The funds raised will go toward planting and restoring hedgerows, providing nesting cover and creating new ponds to boost insect populations—an essential food source for hungry chicks.
Leo Henley-Lock, Director of Conservation and Land Management at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: "The song of the Skylark and the flash of a Lapwing’s wing should be synonymous with spring in Wiltshire, not a memory. 
"We are witnessing nature falling silent, which should be treated as an emergency and urgent action taken to halt the decline. 
"Farmland birds are a vital part of our natural heritage, yet many are now in serious decline. The good news is that we know what works—by restoring habitats and working in partnership with farmers and landowners, we can give these birds a fighting chance and bring them back into our landscape. 
"Earth Raise gives people a powerful way to help, because every donation will be doubled. It’s a chance to make a real difference for nature at a critical moment."
Farmland bird populations have plummeted by 65% since the 1970s and many are now on the red list of protected species. 
This month, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is calling on the public to help turn the tide for these birds in the county during this week-long fundraising sprint.
The statistics, the charity says, are a stark warning. Species that once defined the British countryside—such as the lapwing, snipe, and grey partridge—have seen declines of 90% in some areas. 
Without intervention, there is a risk that these birds might be lost from the landscape forever, and without these birds the dawn chorus is disappearing and nature is going quiet.
The Trust will also be working with farmers and landowners to provide the tools and expertise to implement bird-friendly margins on their land without compromising their livelihoods. 
The project will help to upskill volunteers and encourage more people to support Citizen Science programs by providing training to monitor bird populations and become the long-term guardians of Braydon Forest.
The campaign aims to raise £10,000 in just seven days, which will be matched to £20,000. This is the full pot of match funding available, delivering a massive boost for farmland birds and nature recovery across Wiltshire.
Donations must be made on the Earth Raise website between noon on 22 April and noon on 29 April to qualify for match funding. 
Visit www.donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000A0LGPYA3
 

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