This harsh winter has been a sharp reminder that we need to give an extra thought about our wildlife in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. There are many things you can do to get involved, either actively or from your armchair. Here are some suggestions to help.
Join us for a wildlife walk
The Wildlife Trust runs over 400 events a year, so we are sure there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Guided walks, family fun days, informative talks, wildlife crafts – if we haven’t thought about it then it probably doesn’t exist! Highlights over the coming months include Birdwatching, rambles around our nature reserves, identifying tracks and signs of animals.
Why not check our events out and see if there is something to inspire you?
Apply for your wildlife gardening award
The award scheme aims to find out how wildlife friendly our gardens are. A wildlife friendly garden can come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to have a large garden to take part, it just needs to be good for wildlife!
If you can demonstrate that your garden is a haven for wildlife, you will be awarded with a certificate, a weatherproof plaque that you can display in your wildlife friendly garden, and your garden may also feature on our Wildlife Gardening winners webpage.
Become a volunteer
Do you want to make a difference? If you fancy trying something new, meeting new people, getting out in the fresh air, learning new skills or making the most of skills you already have, why not get in touch?
From practical conservation to species surveying, from leading guided walks to running Wildlife Watch groups enabling young people to discover and explore their local environment, our volunteers carry out a huge range of tasks. Volunteering is open to anyone who has an interest in helping to preserve the environment and our wildlife.
Take part in a countryside course
If you have an interest in wildlife and would like to know more, the Wildlife Trust offers a wide range of courses and workshops, run by enthusiastic professionals and experts. You can –
Get close to nature (with bushcraft);
Boost your identification skills (on birds, wildflowers, butterflies, trees, fungi);
Develop the artist in you (with painting and drawing skills, photography, creative willow sculptures or greenwood furniture);
Learn how you can help wildlife (to garden for wildlife and how to survey and record wildlife);
Improve your knowledge (on small mammals, marine wildlife, woodlands and pond life).
Meet with your local district group
There are 13 local Trust groups throughout Hampshire and the Island. Their work is varied and includes organising a popular programme of walks and talks in their local area, attending local shows/events to promote the Trust, fundraising and undertaking practical conservation work on local reserves.
All local groups are run by volunteers who give their valuable time and enthusiasm. New members are always welcome and you can find out more by contacting your local group.
Visit our online shop for an unusual gift
All funds raised through the shop will help the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust continue to carry out conservation work. The shop offers a selection of gifts for all ages and occasions including wildlife sponsorship gifts, books, t-shirts, prints, cards, gift vouchers and gift membership. We can also offer wood products made to your specification from our Roydon Woods nature reserve.
Become a member
We are a charity that relies on funding and support from our members. If local wildlife and the countryside are important to you then, by becoming a member of the Wildlife Trust, you can make a real difference.