The Wildlife Trusts

The Wildlife Trusts, which operates under the name of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, consists of 46 local Wildlife Trusts located across the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and Alderney. Together, these Trusts manage over 2,300 nature reserves, spanning approximately 98,500 hectares (243,000 acres). As of 2020, the Trusts boast a collective membership of more than 870,000 individuals. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT) functions as an independent charity, representing the 46 individual charitable Trusts. It serves as a coordinating body for these Wildlife Trusts and also manages a separate Grants Unit that oversees various funding programs.

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Things that go churr in the dark

2 weeks ago | wildlifetrusts.org | Tom Hibbert

If you venture out onto a heathland on a summer evening, you might be greeted by an unusual sound. It could almost be mechanical. A long, drawn-out reel, like the purring of a small engine. It runs on and on for minutes at a time, occasionally shifting gear, a slight change in pitch: ‘errrrrrrrrrrr….urrrrrrrrrrrr’. Finally, at some unseen signal, it ends, either stopping suddenly or winding down as if the engine were failing. This is the song of the nightjar, known as churring.
The Wildlife Trusts

Jan 20, 2025 | wildlifetrusts.org | Tom Hibbert

More than 70% of the UK’s land is farmed in some form, so the way that this farmland is managed has huge implications for wildlife. As farmland developed, many animals adapted to take advantage of the habitats it provided. There were hedgerows to hide in, ponds to drink from and a wide variety of plants to provide food. However, as farming has intensified over the years, many of these features have been lost, with a big impact on the wildlife that has grown to rely on them.
If the UK Government is serious about improving the planning system it wouldn’t start by undermining nature – the foundation of our economy | The Wildlife Trusts

Dec 6, 2024 | wildlifetrusts.org | Joan Edwards

Yesterday, the Prime Minister made passionate arguments in favour of planning reform to unlock economic growth – read his speech here.
With COP29 having been dragged over the line, were there any wins for climate and nature?

Nov 25, 2024 | wildlifetrusts.org | Kathryn Brown

You know those moments when you don’t want to look, but know that you have to... well the end of a climate COP can feel just like that. And this COP certainly didn’t disappoint in terms of drama. On Saturday it looked as though the meeting might limp to an exhausted halt as small island states and others left the negotiating room over the lack of ambition in discussions on a new finance deal for developing countries.
Farming, flooding and food - how nature can help

Nov 15, 2024 | wildlifetrusts.org | Vicki Hird

Flooding of UK farmland is making the headlines. The Met Office, in their latest State of the UK Climate report, confirmed that the UK has become slightly wetter and significantly hotter over the last few decades. Flooding has contributed to England having its second worst harvest in 2024 since 1983 after record-breaking wet weather last winter. Recent rainstorms have meant many farmers were unable to plants crops.
Natural History GCSE

Nov 12, 2024 | wildlifetrusts.org | Jen Davis

“By 2025 we will aim to introduce a natural history GCSE, giving young people a further opportunity to engage with and develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the natural world.”This was the landmark promise launched in the Department for Education’s (DfE) ‘Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy’ back in 2022.
What we eat matters enormously to nature  | The Wildlife Trusts

Oct 24, 2024 | wildlifetrusts.org | Vicki Hird

More plant-based diets are better for nature and climate, as recognised by the UK Government’s own Climate Change Committee, and they’re also better for our health.  The current protein consumption levels in the UK are much higher than needed and we can make space in our diets for inexpensive, healthy and nutritious plant proteins such as beans and pulses.
Government and developers must put nature recovery first, urges new report on England’s housebuilding drive

Oct 9, 2024 | wildlifetrusts.org | Craig Bennett

Becky Pullinger, head of land use planning at The Wildlife Trusts, says: “We cannot afford to treat nature, climate and housing as entirely separate issues. By embedding nature recovery into the planning system, we can tackle these challenges together and build homes that are energy-efficient, affordable and playing a meaningful part in restoring nature.
Government and developers must put nature recovery first, urges new report on England’s housebuilding drive

Oct 9, 2024 | wildlifetrusts.org | Craig Bennett

The Wildlife Trusts’ report identifies various approaches to development that can have positive impacts for nature, climate and communities. They include community energy schemes, urban habitat creation, sustainable drainage systems, wildlife-friendly lighting and local food growing opportunities. The Wildlife Trusts want developers to learn from each other to deliver affordable, efficient and nature-friendly housing.
The Wildlife Trusts

Sep 25, 2024 | wildlifetrusts.org | Tom Hibbert

Most people are pretty familiar with the idea of migration. Animals make epic journeys that can cross countries and even continents. Many of these are seasonal, driven by changes in weather, temperature and the amount of daylight. All sorts of animals migrate, from hoverflies to whales, but it's birds that really bring migration to life. Through them, we can see migration in action, visibly unfolding in the air above us.