The Trust’s Chief Executive Trevor Edwards says, “Throughout our celebrations in 2012 we will of course be highlighting the legacy of the Trust’s achievements over the last 50 years but, just as importantly, we are looking to the future. It’s vital that we inspire people of all ages to become more involved with Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places, to ensure they are protected over the next 50 years.”
"To mark this very special milestone, we have organised fantastic ways to celebrate this year. We’d love you to join in and help us make this the best year yet for Cornwall's wildlife! See our special 50th Anniversary events page for more details."
Here are just a few of examples of the Trust's fantastic achievements over the last 50 years:
• Wildlife Sites – the Trust was the first organisation ever to identify and map which places in Cornwall were exceptional for wildlife. Before this, little was documented about these special wild places, making them vulnerable to inappropriate development or use.
From 1962 and throughout the 1970s, the Trust identified 500 Wildlife Sites, which covered approximately 15% of Cornwall. To this day, Wildlife Sites are essential for the survival of hundreds of different species, including the much loved sky lark, dormouse and ancient oaks. The Trust continues to provide advice to the owners of these sites to ensure they stay in a great condition for wildlife.
• Red Moor a special area of wetland and woodland near Lostwithiel, is one of the Trust’s best success stories. In the 1980s it was due to be destroyed and converted to agricultural land, but the Trust quite literally saved it from the bulldozers!
The Trust campaigned hard to raise enough money to buy this Red Moor, which is regarded as a nationally important site for wildlife. With the help of the people of Cornwall, we raised £80,000 and bought the land in 1987. This is now part of our largest nature reserve - Helman Tor. This protected site still provides refuge for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, small red damselfly and wetland plants such as sundew, butterwort and bog pimpernel.
• Pinger trial - The Trust is leading groundbreaking research to reduce the number of dolphins, porpoises and whales getting entangled in fishing nets, through the use of ‘pingers’ on inshore fishing boats.
'Pingers' are acoustic devices attached to fishing nets which send out sonic noise to warn the dolphins away, aiming to prevent them getting caught. In recent studies, the Trust’s work has proved that the devices are effective. For example harbour porpoise activity has decreased by 50% through use of pingers. The Trust is continuing with this research which will be used to inform local and national policy.
• Membership – Members are the strength and backbone of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, which has been a membership organisation since it began in 1962. The Trust is now proud to have 14,000 loyal members. This includes over 2,500 children who belong to Fox Club, the Trust’s junior membership club for children and their families to be inspired by nature. Through the support of its members, the Trust works to secure the future of Cornwall’s wildlife.
• Volunteers - Volunteers have always been, and will always be, important to the Trust. Without volunteers the Trust would never have come into existence. We now have over 1000 regular volunteers, making us the county’s leading environmental voluntary body.
You too can make a difference to Cornwall's wildlife in during our 50th Anniversary year:
- By becoming a member from only £2 per month, family membership is also available for two adults and up to four children.
- By taking part in the ‘£50 for 50 years’ challenge. Are you ready to help Cornwall's wildlife in 2012? Whether you’d like to run a relaxed coffee morning, a fun football tournament, a delicious cake sale or get sponsored to do an exhilarating parachute jump, use our special Fundraising Pack to help make your activity be the best it can be.
- By joining us at our wildlife events throughout Cornwall.
- By volunteering with us - there are many ways you can help, from surveying wildlife to organising events to office duties. Make 2012 your year to get involved!
Special thanks goes to our Official
50th Anniversary Media Partner
