Team
WILDER More Nature Everywhere Be part of the solution
bbowt.org.uk
A Wilder vision? Imagine a wilder world on your doorstep, with more nature everywhere in urban and rural areas. That is our bold vision for our three counties and we need you to be part of it. Will you help us bring nature back and create a wilder future for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire - for nature, for climate and for people?
We’re asking you to be part of the solution.
What’s the problem? Nature is in serious trouble. When did you last see a hedgehog, a sparrow, a butterfly… or a frog? Have you noticed fewer insects squashed on your windscreen, less birdsong and a lack of bees? The way we farm and build on our land is squeezing nature out. In the last century 97% of our wildflower meadows and around half of our hedgerows were destroyed. We’re wiping wildlife off the map.
Our climate is in crisis too, with hotter summers and wetter winters. Wildlife can’t cope with our unpredictable weather and neither can we.
95% gone
What’s the solution? Nature has a lot of the answers, but we need more of it everywhere. We need to bring nature back. It’s that simple. By restoring our meadows and rivers, heathlands and hedgerows, we can make more space for wildlife to live and thrive. If we protect our woodlands and wetlands, and farm more sustainably, our climate can start to recover. We need to think bigger, bolder and wilder in our towns and cities, as well as in the countryside. We must put nature at the heart of every decision we make for the future of our three counties. But nature needs you, and lots more people like you, to help.
Why now? Wildlife is in freefall, with one million species in danger of extinction. And the rate of decline is speeding up. Changes in our climate are being seen around the world, with heatwaves and flooding affecting millions – including communities on our own doorsteps.
Nature and climate are in crisis. We’re approaching an irreversible tipping point – but it’s not too late to turn things around, if we act now. Nature has never needed your help more. You can be part of the solution.
Why me? If just one in four people helps, we can tip the scales back in nature’s favour. We can bring wildlife back and tackle climate change. Like a giant, wild jigsaw, if we each pick up a piece of the puzzle we can find the solution together. The most important part of the puzzle is you. Each and every action you take for nature helps fill in the missing pieces to create a wilder picture. You can make a big difference.
1 in 4 people
Why should I care? Nature gives us every mouthful of food we eat, fresh water and clean air. Nature makes us feel good, both physically and mentally. It’s important for our own wellbeing. In fact the COVID19 pandemic has shown us all how a healthy natural world is vital for our very survival. You need nature – but nature needs you too – urgently.
What are we doing? BBOWT is working hard to protect and restore wildlife on our 86 nature reserves and beyond. We want to see nature recovering on 30% of land across our three counties by 2030. Our new wild jigsaw map – our Nature Recovery Network – will help us do this. But we know we can’t solve this puzzle on our own. So, we’re working with decision makers, landowners, farmers, local councils, developers and partners, to help us pick up and join the pieces. We’re aiming to inspire thousands of ordinary people about the wonders of nature and give them the power to help save it too.
What can I do? Team Wilder is a growing community of people from across our three counties and beyond, who are taking direct action for nature. Anyone can be part of Team Wilder. From families to farmers, school children, community groups, local councils, businesses, land owners – people from all walks of life in our region are getting involved.
Join Team Wilder today and you will be part of the solution. You can start as small and local as you like – or think big!
Why not take action for nature now: n Plant bee-friendly flowers in your windowbox n Cut a hole in your garden fence to make a hedgehog highway n Pick up litter on your next walk n Make your packed lunch plastic free n Set up a community nature group and turn your neighbourhood wild n Ask your local school, church or sports club to make space for wildlife n Lobby your local council for more wild spaces in parks and on road verges n Get together with workmates to create an office wildlife garden n Eat less meat and buy locally produced food n Leave part of your lawn unmown and grow wildflowers
nU se your car less and walk or cycle instead n J oin like-minded neighbours to lobby your MP to stand up for nature
If you’re already taking action for wildlife, you’re part of Team Wilder right now! Imagine the difference it would make if a third of all gardens, school and office grounds, farmland, road verges and parks were all working for wildlife – not against it. Imagine a wilder Berks, Bucks and Oxon, where we can all live and thrive.
Be part of the solution – join Team Wilder today.
Team
WILDER Together we are #TeamWilder
Team
WILDER Contact us: Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, The Lodge, 1 Armstrong Road, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4XT Tel: 01865 775476 Email: info@bbowt.org.uk Registered charity number: 204330 Company registered number: 00680007 Illustrations designed by Al Boardman
bbowt.org.uk