Page 2 - BBOWT Annual Review 2017-18
P. 2

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
   1   2   3   4   5   6   7