Cornwall Wildlife Trust has released the first details of a major programme of activities to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. From Falmouth to Fowey, from St Ives to Saltash and from Camborne to the Camel everyone is invited to join in and help celebrate Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places.
During 2012 the Trust aims to strengthen people’s connections with our county’s unique natural environment; it will offer more opportunities than ever for enjoying wildlife, taking practical action and supporting the work of the Trust.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust has been protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places since 1962 and is now the county’s leading wildlife conservation charity, with 14,000 members and 90 Business Members. From purchasing its very first Nature Reserve in 1966 - Ventongimps Moor near Truro - to pioneering work with ‘pingers’ to protect Cornwall’s dolphins, the Trust has gone from strength to strength during the last half century, leading the way in protecting our Cornwall’s precious nature, on land and in our seas.
Based in Allet, near Truro, Cornwall Wildlife Trust owns or manages 55 nature reserves all over the county, including Kennall Vale Nature Reserve at Ponsanooth, where you can spot species such as pipistrelle bat and dipper, and Upton Towans Nature Reserve at Gwithian, which provides refuge for pyramidal orchid and glow worms. Due to Cornwall’s unique marine environment, the Trust also runs nationally regarded marine projects such as the Basking Shark project and Your Shore, which supports the Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas (VMCAs) of St Agnes, Polzeath, Helford, Looe and Fowey.
The Trust is leading the way for future wildlife conservation work by adopting the ‘Living Landscapes’ approach. This is where whole landscapes are restored for the benefit of both people and wildlife. They are robust, resilient and connected and provide a healthy environment for wildlife to live in and people to enjoy, now and for the future. This is a step on from the more historical method of managing small pockets of land for the benefit of just one species. 
The Trust’s first ‘Living Landscapes’ project is Wild Penwith. The project works with farmers, landowners, businesses and communities in Penwith to restore and reconnect wildlife habitats across the working agricultural landscape. Many species will benefit such as otter, the silver studded blue butterfly and the golden ringed dragonfly.
Trevor Edwards, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive explains, “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.”
The Trust runs wildlife events throughout the year all over the county, the majority of which are free to attend. In 2012 there will be some very special 50th Anniversary events, so there are even more opportunities to get outdoors and appreciate Cornwall’s nature. These events include;
• Nature Reserves Birthday Party walks, Friday 23rd March at 6 Nature Reserves all over the county including Penhale Sands (Perranporth), Windmill Farm (The Lizard), Upton Towans (Hayle), Helman Tor (Lostwithiel), Cabilla and Redrice Woods (Bodmin) and Churchtown Farm (Saltash).
• A series of fantastic Open Gardens from April to August all over Cornwall, including;
- Trewidden Garden, Penzance (1st April)
- Lamorran House, St Mawes (20th May)
- Old Zanzig, Wadebridge (3rd June)
- Hidden Valley Gardens, Par (17th July)
- Arundell, Newquay (19th August).
• Wildlife Celebration, Sunday 13th and Monday 14th May, at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near St Austell.
• Royal Cornwall Show, 7th – 9th June, Wadebridge.
• Living Seas Ball, Friday 14th September, St Michael’s Hotel, Falmouth.
• Race for Wildlife, 14th October, Penzance
• Special ‘Wildlife Friendly Business Awards’ at the Cornwall Tourism Awards, November, St Mellion Hotel.
• Discovery Day and AGM, Saturday 10th November, location TBC.
Trevor Edwards adds, “We see our Anniversary year as a potential turning point for wildlife in Cornwall. These are difficult times, and there is a real danger that the progress we have made could be undone, but if our campaign is successful and we can increase support for wildlife in Cornwall, we can make major advances for its conservation.”
David Attenborough, world renowned naturalist, broadcaster and Vice President of The Wildlife Trusts, also lends his support for the Trust’s Anniversary,
"Many congratulations to Cornwall Wildlife Trust on achieving so much over the past 50 years. I wish them the very best of luck over the next half century."
What can I do to help celebrate the Trust's 50th Anniversary?
- Become a member from only £2 per month, family membership is also available for two adults and up to four children.
- Take part in the ‘£50 for 50 years’ challenge. Are you ready to help Cornwall's wildlife in 2012? If so, we need people like you! 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, we can help your activity be the best it can be. Download our Fundraising Pack now.
- Join us at our events throughout Cornwall.
- Volunteer with us! There are many ways you can help, from surveying wildlife to organising events to office duties - make 2012 your year to volunteer.
If you would like to tell us about your fundraising ideas, or to find out more about the Trust's 50th Anniversary, please contact Serena Pettigrew-Jolly on 01872 273939 ext 205 or by email.
