We were treated to a talk about the impressively wide-ranging efforts of Surrey Wildlife Trust to conserve the wildlife and varied habitats of Surrey. The county boasts 12% of the UK’s lowland heathland, impressive chalk grasslands, wetlands, and the Mole and Wey Rivers, all while also being the most wooded of all counties.
With the help of 100 staff, 350 grazing animals and thousands of hours of volunteer help each year, the Trust manages 5,000 hectares in 60 nature reserves. It reaches 15,000 children with educational activities, many delivered at the nearby Nower Wood educational centre. The Trust campaigns for protection of nature, and runs walks and adult learning opportunities for its members, and also has a professional consultancy arm.
Our two speakers challenged us with identifying a variety of species on their slides, from beetles and butterflies to birds. They went on to outline how everyone can help the Trust in their vital quest to reverse the decline in nature – from providing food, water, shelter and nesting habitat for wildlife in their gardens to volunteering their time, as well as providing ever important financial support through membership, donations and legacies.
The dining room was packed for lunch, with the usual ample spread of soup, sandwiches and fruit, followed by coffee and cake!