November 2024 Edition

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s 63rd Annual General Meeting

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s 63rd Annual General Meeting

On Thursday, 21st November, we hosted our 63rd Annual General Meeting via an online webinar, attended by over 100 members. During the meeting, Kathryn Monk was elected to the Board of Trustees, and Jane Furze was appointed as Vice Chair of the Board.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the trustees who have stepped down for their invaluable contributions and warmly welcome our new trustees as we continue our mission to protect and enhance Gloucestershire’s wildlife and wild places.

White-clawed Crayfish Translocation Project!

Check out this short video featuring our Wilder Landscapes Manager, John Field, hard at work on the White-clawed Crayfish Translocation Project! ?? Together, we're working to protect and reintroduce Gloucestershire's native freshwater crayfish, a species under threat. ????Supported by Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, this project is made possible by the commitment of dedicated partners and volunteers who believe in safeguarding our precious native wildlife. ????

Juniper Hill Field - A new nature new reserve

An important wildlife site in the heart of Laurie Lee country has been saved for nature and the community after Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust was supported in purchasing it. Read more

New bridge at Trillis Banks Nature Reserve

Big thanks to the Cotswold Wardens for their hard work and dedication! ?? They’ve just installed a brand-new bridge at Trillis Banks Nature Reserve, setting the stage for exciting restoration work by GWT’s Wilder Landscapes team next year. This bridge will not only improve access but also bolster ongoing conservation efforts across the Cotswolds. Huge appreciation to Cotswolds National Landscape, all involved for their invaluable contributions, and to Stroud District Council for funding this work towards a wilder, greener future. ?? Find out more about Trillis Bank.

Gloucestershire Beaver Feasibility Project Survey

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust wants to hear from everyone on the potential re-introduction of wild beavers to our county. Beavers are a native animal to the UK that were hunted to extinction over 400 years ago when they were hunted to extinction. Currently, they live in enclosures in the Forest of Dean and in the wild in other parts of the country. These populations are spreading and sightings have been recorded very close to Gloucestershire’s borders.

We want to make sure when beavers do arrive we can maximise the benefit and minimise the risks. They can support biodiversity and restore natural habitats but everyone who lives, works and enjoys the Gloucestershire countryside should have the chance to have their say on whether to re-introduce these water engineers here, who could impact the areas where they live.

The Gloucestershire Beaver Feasibility Project is co-funded by Forestry England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by public donations.

?? Take the survey now: https://ow.ly/rUuP50U25PU

Wilder Work Days

Thank You to the Connected Kerb Team! ??A few weeks ago, our Site Warden Neil Lodge hosted the amazing team from Connected Kerb for a Wilder Work Day at Lower Woods! ?? Despite the mud and rain, they tackled coppicing work with enthusiasm, embracing this traditional woodland practice that promotes new growth and supports the health of the forest.

??The team was captivated by the rich history and incredible biodiversity of this unique area. Here’s what they had to say: “We not only contributed to the conservation of a valuable woodland but also enjoyed a great day of team building and camaraderie.” ????We’re thrilled you had a wonderful time and deeply appreciate your hard work—thank you! ????

Our corporate Wilder Work Days are a fantastic way to connect with nature, lift team morale, and promote wellbeing. Interested in joining us? Visit our website for more details.

Nature Nurtures

Watch how Nature Nurtures, a programme of eight sessions for groups of children with low-level mental health conditions, connects them to nature to improve their wellbeing. The project, led by us and funded by the NHS , enhances children’s wellbeing through the power of nature. Through hands-on, nature-based experiences, young minds are building resilience, confidence, and a deeper connection with the world around them.

Adder-Themed Sculpture for Crickley Hill

We’re excited to share a unique addition coming soon to Crickley Hill! Our Recovering Adders on the Cotswold Escarpment project team is hard at work creating a beautiful adder-themed bench and sculpture, soon to be placed for everyone to enjoy. This project, funded by Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, celebrates and raises awareness of these incredible creatures and the habitats they call home. ???? Stay tuned to see the final result and for more updates on our conservation efforts! Click here to find our more.

Send an e-Card this Christmas

Send eCards this festive season to reduce your plastic and paper waste, whilst sending a merry message!

What’s best, when you send and eCard with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust you’ll be helping to protect local wildlife at the same time!

Browse our range of eCards today, with a message and beautiful wildlife image for all kinds of occasions, including Christmas eCards??.