As showcased in the latest BBC nature documentary, the UK is blessed with some truly spectacular wildlife. However, it also highlights the challenges facing nature and alerts audiences to the species rapidly vanishing. In the words of Sir David Attenborough “there's never been a more important time to invest in the nature in our own backyard.”

Nearly half of all British wildlife species have declined since 1970 but it’s not too late to reverse this, and prevent the habitats they rely on from being lost. With the public’s help, the Trust wants to create a county where nature thrives alongside people. 

The charity has launched a plan detailing its vision for a wilder Staffordshire by 2030. From engaging young people to take action for nature, to providing natural solutions to the climate crisis, the plans to kickstart nature’s recovery will ensure that the Trust can protect and look after wildlife in Staffordshire for many years to come.

Julian Woolford, Chief Executive, explains: 

“We all need to work together to make sure our county, and future generations, have a wilder future. We’re at a critical point but there is still hope. We must act now if we are to halt AND reverse the decline of rare and threatened species, and prevent the climate crisis worsening. We’ve all got to play our part.

“Our plan is to have 30 per cent of Staffordshire managed in a way that makes it better for wildlife by 2030 and more people are inspired to take action for the nature they love. We know what we need to do to make this a reality, but we can’t do it alone – we need your help.

“We’re asking those who can, to give £30 to help kickstart nature’s recovery. Your donation could help us and our communities to restore habitats to protect the spaces our species at risk need to survive: like improving waterways for water voles, creating grasslands for rare curlew birds, and sandy beaches for the tawny mining bees that play a vital role in our heathland ecosystems.”
 

The Trust is also preparing to plant black poplar trees, which are almost extinct from the county’s floodplains. There are under 100 left in Staffordshire, and only three close enough together to reproduce naturally. The charity’s expert conservation team are laying the groundwork to boost their population but they need the public’s support.

Julian adds: “It is important that we work with our communities to connect more people to nature and empower them to take action for wildlife and the climate. People are the key to nature's recovery. Your donation will also help us to support communities to manage their local wild spaces for wildlife, campaign for better wildlife protection, and inspire more young people to protect nature.

“Right now, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is standing up for the wildlife and wild places on your doorstep. Let’s work together, not just to save the species at risk today, but to create a wilder Staffordshire for tomorrow.”

Head to the Kickstart Nature's Recovery appeal page to find out more or make a donation.