100 Miles for Wildlife

I have a deep passion for both nature and running, and when I learned that Sussex Wildlife Trust urgently needs to raise £100,000 to create a Species Recovery Fund for Sussex, I knew I wanted to help. Their innovative plans aim to restore nature both on land and at sea, creating and revitalising habitats where wildlife can thrive once again.

To support this effort, I’m taking on a 100-mile challenge—the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne. Its part of the Conqueror Series where you select a route anywhere in the world and virtually run it (by doing local runs) but the great thing is, as its local, I get to run parts of the actual route. This “epic” challenge has been a long-standing goal, and now I have the perfect cause to inspire each mile.

As creativity is also close to my heart, I have also written a poem to describe what this experience means to me...

Nature, we nurture

Into the fresh air I roam,

sloughing off the stress as I go.

The Seven Sisters not far from home,

gazing out to sea below.

The mental clarity I regain,

pacing the Downland trails getting into flow.

The wide expanse keeping me sane,

excitement of wildlife encounters, here we go…

Could it be a Swallow swooping past,

captivated to admire the acrobatic show.

A Chalkhill Blue fluttering by fast,

searching for Wild Thyme for next years brood to grow.

A Water-Walking Fen Raft Spider hopefully not the last,

the striped rarity dives for food in marshlands where I sometimes go.

A Bee Orchid, noticing the mimicry beauty before I run past,

remnants of shingle heathland below.

All these benefits for me-

physical, mental, focus, mindfulness, purpose.

All these threats that you face, warming by a degree or two,

habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, even more that concern us.

But what can we do for you?

campaign, reduce, reuse, plant a Quercus?

Taking action whether for tree or bee,

not only makes a real difference, but reduces eco-anxiety.

This month a challenge I pledge to get underway,

hoping to raise awareness and funds to restore nature as I go.

100 miles along part of the South Downs Way,

via running, trekking, swimming, hopefully not crawling though!

I will pass through habitats from chalk grassland to Weald clay

stopping to notice wildlife – a doe or even beetles that glow.

If this resonates and is not too much of a cliché,

I would love the support from all who think the #restorenaturenow

movement should grow.

Come along for the journey...

Along the way, I’ll be posting sightings of wildlife and moments in nature that underscore the importance of this work. Every donation helps bring us closer to protecting the incredible biodiversity of Sussex, from the chalk grasslands to the coastal cliffs. Join me in supporting Sussex Wildlife Trust and let’s make a difference for the future of our wild spaces and species!