Wilder Future Fund
Let's Create a Wilder Future for Nature.
The Wilder Future Fund is an ambitious effort to raise £1.5 million over the next five years to help nature recover across our three counties.
Focussing on three critical areas, the aim is to:
- Put nature into recovery
- Help communities take action for wildlife
- Work on nature-based solutions for a changing climate
The Wilder Future Fund supports the vital work we do for all the habitats and species we care for across our reserves and wider countryside. After previously spotlighting wetlands and woodlands, we’re now turning our attention to engaging young people with nature.
We know what we need to do, but we need your help to step up our work for a wilder future.
Credit: Rebecca Neal
This disconnection with nature often starts early. We know that children and young people are spending more time indoors and on screens. They learn about the concept of biodiversity as young as age 6 but many miss out on experiencing the natural world firsthand; they may be able to talk about ‘wetland biomes’ but be too scared to touch pond weed.
If the next generation doesn't have that connection, who will care for nature in the future?
That's why the latest theme of our Wilder Future Fund is Young People and Nature. Through school visits, family events, educational sessions and career opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience, we can engage thousands of children and young people to learn and enjoy the wonders of the natural world right on their doorstep.
We know how to make a difference, but we need your support to do it.
Credit: Holly Wilkinson
"The children are sometimes visibly upset and unsure of being in the 'Wild' at Ramsey Heights. Many of the children in central Peterborough live in flats and may not have been anywhere like this before. They start the day unsure, not wanting to touch anything, but by the time we have done some pond dipping their fear turns to facination, questions start to come and engagement happens. Den building is such an amazing part of the day as teachers see their children in a different setting, sharing, taking decisions, showing leadership skills. The number of times a teacher has commented, 'oh I've not seen 'x' like this before, they are talking more than i've ever seen."
- Primary School Teacher
Communities and Education Manager Debbie has spent years at our Education Centre in Paxton Pits witnessing first-hand the huge impact being in and around nature has on children and young people. In this extract from our podcast, In Conservation, she explains the importance of connecting with nature for young lives.
"You can see over the course of just 4 hours (spent in nature) how they (the children) become more confident and come out of themselves as they settle into the natural surroundings."
Raising £300
Could pay for a full day of educational nature sessions for children and young people.
Raising £1,125
Could pay for a set of 15 binoculars for a class to help them spot and engage with wildlife.
Raising £15,000
Could cover a six-month paid trainee placement for a young person looking to start a career in conservation.
Young Emma and her dad at Trumpington Meadows
📖Emma's Blog: Can We Reconnect Young People With Nature?
15 year-old Emma shares her own thoughts and experiences on why her peers are disconnected from the natural world, and what might help to bring them closer to nature.
