The end of the year is a time of reflection for many of us, looking back on the successes and challenges over the last 12 months.
This year, perhaps more than ever, it is important to take time to pause and reflect. Nature is under significant pressure, and this impacts us all, but there is a groundswell of action that means we can and will help nature to recover across our region.
I joined the Avon Wildlife Trust team as CEO in March, just as we secured one of our most ambitious projects to date, Ebdon Farm near Weston-super-Mare. This former dairy farm is an incredibly exciting opportunity for us to create an accessible and climate resilient landscape for the future. Taking bold decisions for nature’s recovery will be key to turning the tide for biodiversity and, with the help of local communities, we’re co-creating new opportunities for people and wildlife to flourish together.
Our Wilder Woodlands species recovery programme delivered some amazing early results for dormice and bats. The work to diversify and open up former plantation woodland has brought more light into the woodland floor and provided improved roosting and feeding habitat for greater and lesser horseshoe bats, and Barbastelle bats.
I’m particularly proud of both of these projects as great examples of the type of work that makes a difference at a landscape scale.
Volunteers and staff surveying in the woodlands
As the first urban Wildlife Trust, we have a long track record of advocating the value and co-benefits of nature in our towns and cities. This year, we’ve increased our calls for nature and development in harmony, pushing back against the negative stories of nature blocking growth.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill cast a long shadow, but I was heartened by the strong response from our community with more than 2,000 emails sent to MPs from across the region calling for changes to the Bill. We will continue to push for nature-positive approaches to development over the coming months.
The number of enquiries from our supporters about local planning applications has risen significantly this year. Despite our finite resources, we continue to advise individuals and community groups about how they can respond to consultations.
I continue to be inspired by the communities and individuals taking action for nature, and this year has been no exception.
The programme of community activity at the Festival of Nature showcased the best of our region with a variety of events across the two weeks of the festival.
The second phase of the Wildlife Champions programme began this year, supporting local changemakers for nature with training and advice.
I have also enjoyed meeting members who have been with us since the beginning, 45 years ago, and hearing their recollections has been particularly special.
The challenges of 2025 will undoubtedly continue into next year, particularly around the Government’s approach to planning and how we balance growth with defending nature.
However, with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers at Avon Wildlife Trust, strong strategic partnerships, and our inspirational communities, nature is in good hands for the year ahead.
