Page 2 - BBOWT Annual Review 2017-18

Welcome to our
Annual Review
2017 - 2018
The past year has been a whirlwind of activity as we
work hard to realise the ambitions contained within our
Strategic Plan 2016-2021: Be part of Nature’s Recovery.

T here has been a concerted drive in the background to ensure
that vital environmental protections afforded under the EU are
strengthened as the UK prepares to leave. Much of our focus has
been on working with GreenerUK, a coalition of environmental NGOs,
to galvanise a common cause for nature among decision-makers.

We are hopeful. The publication of the Government’s 25 Year
Environment Plan in February demonstrates new ambition for restoring
nature. Attention now turns to the recently announced Agriculture Bill,
a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform agriculture so it can
be part of the solution.

Closer to home BBOWT engaged with more politicians, including the Our vision
Prime Minister, who on our request outlined in a pre-election pledge
how she would improve the environment when the UK leaves the EU. An environment rich in wildlife, valued by all.

Even our own nature reserves can be enhanced for wildlife. Monitoring Our mission
confirmed that nightjars have returned to Snelsmore Common,
lapwings are breeding at Hosehill Lake, while at College Lake To create a Living Landscape across our
record numbers of butterflies are taking to the air – just a few of the towns, cities and countryside and inspire our
exhilarating results enjoyed over the year. Partnering with landowners communities to act for nature.
beyond our reserves brings wins for wildlife too, and our advice has
influenced more than 3,000 hectares of land for the benefit of wildlife. Our aim

Nature’s recovery also needs the public’s buy-in to succeed. Plans To lead the way for nature’s recovery and
to connect more of us to nature are gathering pace through our connect people with nature, so that:
education centres and public engagement programmes. Last year we
put on over 400 public events, while our presence at high-profile shows l Our soil and water resources are managed
like BBC Countryfile Live means we are reaching more people than ever. to create functioning ecosystems and
wildlife-rich places.
Promoting the conditions for wildlife to thrive pushes back against threats
to fragile habitats, such as development. BBOWT works hard to speak up
for wildlife through the planning process by communicating the value of
nature to local authorities and developers, with many successes.

While the wider outlook remains uncertain there is no time to dally. l Local communities, decision-makers,
There’s still plenty to do if we are to secure nature’s recovery and give landowners and businesses work with
people the opportunity to connect with the natural world. We’re and for nature.
making real progress though, and I am confident that together we will
get there. l People recognise their dependence upon
nature and its value to their mental and
Estelle Bailey physical wellbeing.
Chief Executive, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust
September 2018

2 Annual Review 2017/2018 | Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust