Somerset Wildlife Trust

Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a registered charity and wildlife conservation organization covering the county of Somerset, England (Charity number 238372). Established in 1964, the Trust is dedicated to safeguarding Somerset's wildlife and wild places for current and future generations. It operates as part of the broader Wildlife Trusts partnership, which encompasses 46 wildlife trusts across the United Kingdom.

Mission and Activities

SWT is a science-led movement focused on restoring habitats to support biodiversity and reestablish natural ecological processes essential for healthy landscapes. Their conservation efforts aim to provide vital ecosystem services such as clean air and water, food production, carbon absorption, and flood mitigation. The Trust works on managing nature reserves, protecting rare and threatened species, monitoring developments impacting wildlife, advocating for conservation policies, and collaborating with landowners, local businesses, and government bodies to promote sustainable living practices.

Nature Reserves

The Trust manages nearly 80 nature reserves across Somerset, including notable sites like Westhay Moor, Long Wood, and Langford Heathfield. Many of these reserves are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), underscoring their importance for biodiversity conservation within the county.

Membership and Volunteer Base

Somerset Wildlife Trust has a membership exceeding 20,500 individuals and mobilizes around 500 volunteers who contribute to various conservation and community engagement projects.

Funding and Financials

For the financial year ending March 31, 2024, the Trust reported a total income of approximately £4.9 million. This income derives from multiple sources: £2.08 million from donations and legacies, £2.06 million from charitable activities, £634,000 from other trading activities, and £132,000 from investments. Government contracts and grants contribute a significant portion of funding, with over £1.1 million received during this period. Total expenditures amounted to roughly £4.7 million, emphasizing the Trust's commitment to its charitable objectives.

Recognitions and Projects

In 2010, Somerset Wildlife Trust received a Biffa Award for their project "Restoring Habitat for Dormice in Somerset." In 2011, the Trust launched a successful appeal to raise £100,000 for the restoration of former peat diggings on the Somerset Levels, demonstrating their active role in ecological restoration efforts.

Approach and Innovation

The Trust emphasizes evidence-based conservation, utilizing citizen science initiatives and partnerships with academic institutions to gather data and improve environmental management. Projects such as the Nature Recovery Network aim to enhance and connect habitats across the county, addressing challenges posed by climate change and habitat loss.

Somerset Wildlife Trust continues to play a pivotal role in conserving Somerset's natural heritage through habitat restoration, species protection, and community engagement, contributing significantly to the UK's broader conservation landscape.

[1] https://www.somersetwildlife.org/what-we-do-somerset/about-us [2] https://www.somersetwildlife.org [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somerset_Wildlife_Trust [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/238372 [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1YoXufVZGk