TEAM

Welcome to Team Wilder, where this month we explore the various ways local people can come together to take action for wildlife.

The Trust’s Wilder 2030 Strategy recognises that, to turn the tide for wildlife, we need many, many more people on nature’s side.

Science suggests that if one in four of the population were to take concerted positive action, this would create the momentum needed for significant social change. And since launching our strategy in 2020, we’ve been amazed by the

Looking and noticing

We know that people who have a deeper relationship with nature are more likely to take action to look after it. We also know sometimes it’s the smallest spark that can light a lasting passion for wildlife. We want to give more people the chance to notice and experience our incredible local nature and that’s why we share stories, pictures and videos and we invite people to join us on our nature reserves or at events.

By paying attention to the wildlife around us, we can start to build a connection that benefits our health and wellbeing, and the vitality of our natural world.

number of people stepping forward to be part of ‘Team Wilder’.

How you get involved is entirely up to you – many people support our work with donations or by giving their time as volunteers, allowing the Trust to do more. Others choose to take action in their own lives or communities, for example, by turning their garden into a wildlife oasis, leading change in their workplace or school, or banding together with others to change their streets from grey to green.

The Trust can offer help and guidance on how you can help wildlife. We can also connect you with like-minded people, who could provide the inspiration to help you take your next step for nature.

Here are four ways to support the Trust’s mission to lead on nature’s recovery in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

We need more people on our team if we’re going to help nature recover. By adding your support or using your voice, you can help change the fortunes of wildlife.

By becoming a member of the Wildlife Trust, taking part in a campaign or adding an action you’ve taken to our online map, you’re joining a loyal army of people standing up for nature across our two counties.

We’re all part of Team Wilder and together we’re far more powerful than alone.

Acting and giving

Volunteers, like this group pulling up Himalayan balsam, are vital to our work.

Many of you contribute your time, skills, knowledge or money to help nature thrive. Our incredible volunteers, champions and leaders are taking on important roles, with support from the Trust.

Whether it’s practical conservation tasks on our reserves, leading change in your community or using your green fingers to help other would-be wildlife gardeners, you are giving so much and helping us reach so many more.

There are so many people across our two counties who are making a difference, including our donors and corporate funders, and the people we train and advise each year, from teachers to farmers and landowners.

Nominate nature heroes for our Wilder Awards

Every other year we host our Wilder Awards ceremony to celebrate those everyday heroes among us making a crucial difference for wildlife and the environment. Nominations for this year’s awards, which will be presented at Lakeside North Harbour in Portsmouth on Thursday 7 September, can be submitted from now until late June.

If you’d like to nominate yourself or someone else, a group or an organisation who you think deserves recognition, find out more by visiting: hiwwt.org.uk/wilder-annual-awards