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Who are we?
Avon Wildlife Trust …the largest membership-based wildlife organisation in the area, dedicated to promoting and protecting wildlife
Our vision is of local
landscapes richer in wildlife, delivering a better quality of life for
all
Our mission is to inspire people about
wildlife, act as a wildlife champion, create wildlife havens, and encourage
sustainable living
Wildlife is all about us ...literally growing out of walls, perched on rooftops, creeping through the undergrowth, colouring the hedgerows and verges, making the world look brighter ...and in other ways. Whether we're aware of it or not, wildlife enriches our lives
Children who play in natural places develop new skills faster. Hospital patients looking out on a natural view recover faster. Employees with access to natural areas are more productive at their desks. Wildlife, the natural environment and the human race are all inextricably linked – physically, mentally, economically, inevitably. The greater the variety of life around us, the better our quality of life and the more we prosper.
"The realm of nature is our life support system. Its continuity in a healthy state is essential to the quality of life in our communities and underpins the local economy. Avon's distinctive natural identity contributes greatly to the attraction of new investment and the retention of established enterprises. It is, without doubt in my mind, essential for our continued prosperity."
John Savage
Executive Chairman, Business West
On a mission...
Avon Wildlife Trust is an organisation on a mission. We've got a vision for the future, for the landscapes and people around us, and we're committed to achieving it.
We represent a membership of more than 14,000 people and growing fast … by more than 25%
a year
We lead conservation work by taking an
innovative approach to wildlife recovery, running major projects to
increase biodiversity in the wider environment
We manage almost 40 nature reserves covering
over 1,100 hectares – from salt marshes and reed beds to species-rich
grasslands and ancient woodlands
We set the agenda as part of the national
partnership of Wildlife Trusts with 600,000 members throughout the UK,
and locally by taking a leading role in the Avon Biodiversity Partnership
We advise landowners, local authorities
and many others on management and practice which can benefit wildlife
We inspire lifelong learning through enjoyment
and access to the natural environment, in both urban and rural areas
We run two major wildlife centres at Folly
Farm in the Chew Valley and at Willsbridge Mill near Keynsham
We co-ordinate a task force of more than
500 volunteers who help in all areas of the Trust's work, from
conservation tasks on reserves to helping in the Trust office
We campaign as the leading voice and source
of expertise on all local wildlife matters
We work in partnership with public authorities,
landowners, schools and colleges, businesses, local people and the media
We encourage people to lead more sustainable lives
