Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
 |
|
| Founded | 1962 |
|---|---|
| Type | Charity. Membership organisation. Governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. Registered charity and a company limited by guarantee (Company number 730536). |
| Registration no. | 266202 |
| Focus | Caring for wildlife and encouraging people to access their natural environment |
| Location |
|
|
Members
|
18,000+ |
|
Key people
|
Dr Gary Mantle, MBE (Director) |
|
Employees
|
75+ |
|
Volunteers
|
1,700+ |
| Website | www |
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is one of 47 trusts across the UK. Together the Wildlife Trusts are the largest voluntary organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places everywhere – at land and at sea. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust owns and manages 37 nature reserves in Wiltshire and Swindon, England.
Formed in 1962 as The Wiltshire Trust for Nature Conservation Ltd, with just seven members contributing £1 per year, the trust was incorporated under the Companies Act on 23 July 1962. Involved in the creation of the trust was acclaimed author and poet John Buxton. The inaugural meeting was held at County Hall, Trowbridge with some 160 people attending.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is based in Devizes, Wiltshire. The trust began creating nature reserves in 1963 with the purchase of Blackmoor Copse. Within a decade, the trust owned nine more reserves, had received its first legacy gift and membership had grown to 800. As it reached its 20th anniversary, the trust owned 30 nature reserves and had 2,000 members. In 1989, the first Sarsen Trail & Neolithic Marathon was held, raising £21,500 which was used to buy Morgan's Hill nature reserve.
For the 30th anniversary, in 1992, the trust formally changed its name to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. In 1994, the trust employed its first otter habitat project officer. At that time, there were no known otters in the county. In 2012, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust featured three reserves in the "Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts's Guide to Otters", a testament to the success of the project.
In its 50th year, 2012, the trust owned and managed 37 nature reserves.
The trust currently owns and manages 37 nature reserves, including three farming operations. It also works to encourage Wiltshire's communities to live sustainable lifestyles that protect the environment, engaging the public on issues such as recycling. It is active in schools and community projects and it works with people experiencing mental health issues, using the environment as a tool to mental and physical well-being.
It issues a variety of publications including a members magazine, Wiltshire Wildlife. Its digital presence includes social networking, such as Twitter and Facebook. Working with Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, it produces an annual State of the Environment report. The report, first published in 2012, tracks the changing environment, highlights future issues and provides recommendations on a variety of topics affecting the county.
The trust undertakes a wide variety of educational work to engage local residents with its work, and to develop an understanding and love for the natural environment. As of 2013, these activities include:
...
Wikipedia