In September, Cheshire Wildlife Trust launched an urgent appeal to raise £53,298 to complete much needed work to protect their nature reserves. Nature in the UK is declining at an alarming rate. Nature reserves, like those managed by the Trust, are some of the last local refuges where wild plants, mammals, birds and insects are given the space they need to survive.
The natural world is in a state of emergency and businesses can be part of the solution. The Trust are asking local businesses to support work on a dedicated nature reserve for an entire year, from £2,500.
By investing in nature, businesses can:
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Help protect local nature for generations to come.
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Have a positive environmental impact.
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Help combat the impacts of climate change.
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Create space for nature and biodiversity.
Research shows* that sustainability isn’t just good for the environment. It’s also good for business.
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80% of the public favour brands and companies that embrace eco-friendly practices.
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77% of company directors agree that being a sustainable business has improved customer loyalty.
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52% of employees believe that their companies should be more environmentally responsible.
Donations can help:
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Create ponds at Gowy Meadows to provide food and shelter for water voles.
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Clear birch trees from Danes Moss to maintain the peat bog.
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Create more grassland in Swettenham Valley to provide homes for butterflies.
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Remove willow at Marbury Reedbed to provide the best conditions for bitterns.
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Create ponds and scrapes at Bickley Hall Farm for lapwings and other wading birds.
Jo Darlington, Director of Fundraising & Engagement at Cheshire Wildlife Trust says:
“As businesses become more mindful of their environmental impact and seek to implement more environmentally friendly ways of working, protecting local wild spaces, like nature reserves, this is a great way of taking that first step.
We’re encouraging local companies of any size to get involved in this unique opportunity to be part of protecting the future of nature and wildlife in our region. Protecting green spaces and the wildlife that lives there can capture the imagination of employees and communities and benefit future generations”.
Ben Gregory, Director of Nature Recovery at Cheshire Wildlife Trust says:
“It costs us £404,068 each year to manage our nature reserves for wonderful wildlife. We work really hard to be as effective as possible and to apply for as much funding as possible for land management. However, there's a £52,298 shortfall this year which we urgently need to cover.
It’s vital to nature’s recovery that we protect these havens for wildlife and provide space, food and shelter for species that are under threat. We know we can’t do it alone. We’re passionate about working in partnership with local organisations to protect Cheshire’s beautiful wild spaces”.
To find out more about the appeal please visit cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/cheshireslastrefuges.
To discuss business opportunities, please contact Jo Darlington – jdarlington@cheshirewt.org.uk
* Research from Green the UK https://greentheuk.com/