Celebrating 80 Years of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
From the smallest acorn to a proud oak tree...
When the chocolatiers and naturalists Sir Francis Terry and Arnold Rowntree founded Yorkshire Naturalists’ Trust in 1946 to look after Askham Bog nature reserve in York, they laid a legacy for Yorkshire’s wildlife.
Over the last 80 years, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has flourished too: from a tiny office in the Yorkshire Museum to nearly 200 staff today. Supported by over a thousand volunteers and 44,000 members, the Trust’s work ranges from nature reserves to peatland restoration and marine monitoring, and from helping urban communities looking to take action locally to providing incredible wildlife experiences for thousands of visitors.
Naturalists and all lovers of the beauties of Yorkshire will, therefore, be interested to learn of the formation of THE YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ TRUST LIMITED with the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining Sanctuaries for the preservation of wild life, particularly of rare or unusual character.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s green roots
We’ve achieved a lot over the last 80 years – and none of it would have been possible without the help of our members, volunteers and many supporters!
Join us as we celebrate 80 years of caring for Yorkshire’s wild places. Come along to one of our events across the region, or get involved by taking action for nature in a way that feels right for you. Everyone’s welcome - this milestone is yours to share.
Our next chapter: Rising to nature’s greatest challenge yet
The need for action to save, protect and restore wildlife has never been so urgent. Nearly 1 in 5 species in Yorkshire have declined by more than 25% in the last 30 years, including species like swifts, willow tits, red squirrels, and water voles. These struggles reflect the crisis happening for nature across the UK, and warn of a future where we could lose the wildlife that makes Yorkshire special.
Water vole (C) Terry Whittaker 2020Vision
As a Trust, we continue to campaign and hold power to account in decisions that affect our wild places, which are important for people as well as for wildlife.
From lobbying and meeting with politicians at a regional and national level, to planning proposals that could damage our wild places irrevocably, we will make sure our wildlife’s voice is heard.
We are proud to have nurtured our wildlife, wild places, and wilder people. Increasingly, environmental concerns and a movement for change are taking centre stage, and we are honoured to be involved in shepherding the future of Yorkshire’s green journey.
It’s our birthday – and you’re invited!
This year marks 80 years since Yorkshire Wildlife Trust was founded, and we want to celebrate with y
Harrogate Supporter Volunteer Group - Sara Spillett
Wildlife Heroes Awards
Help us celebrate our 80th anniversary by shining a light on the people making a real difference for Yorkshire’s wildlife. The Wildlife Heroes Awards honour individuals, groups, businesses, and communities whose actions are helping nature thrive. If you know someone restoring habitats, inspiring others, or championing wildlife, nominate them today and help us share their story.
Large heath © Pete Richman
