BRITAIN'S ENVIRONMENT NEEDS YOU!

The UK has some of the least in tact biodiversity in the world, and it's increasingly under threat. When you go out for a walk, you might notice there is less wildlife than there used to be. The woods might feel quieter and the green space smaller.

These observations are not just anecdotes. They are backed up by real data. The State of Nature 2019 report reveals that 41% of UK species studied have declined, 26% have increased and 33% show little change since 1970, while 133 species assessed have already been lost from our shores since 1500. We're losing our precious red squirrels, hedgehogs and birds at an alarming rate, and so much more. These are not just species that give us joy to look at, but the decline is impacting the ecosystems that provide us with fundamental needs, such as clean air, clean water, and climate regulation.

There are many reasons for this decline, but most of them have to do with people. The ways we manage our land for agriculture, climate change, housing pressures on the greenbelt, and pollution are among the reasons for this decline. Whilst the fact that humans are central to the crisis we find ourselves in is alarming, it also means that we as humans have the capacity to act and make a difference.

By taking part in The Big Winter Wander, you and your friends and family can reconnect with our country's beautiful wildlife and help protect it. The funds you raise will help us campaign to protect wildlife here, and around the world.

Nature has been a refuge for us during this pandemic. Our green spaces and natural areas have been there to offer us comfort during difficult times. Now it's our time to give back.  

ABOUT US

We are raising money for WWF-UK because we believe in the work that they do, and we know the money will be spent on effective action. It also makes sense for two friends who spend a lot of time walking out in the UK countryside. Every time we go for a ramble, we see both things that delight us, as well as things that make us worry about the future of the UK's ecosystems. We also make a great team because Emma not only tolerates Sarah's constant rambling about the environment, but she also asks the best questions!

We both live in Cheshire, and we expect that there will still be limitations on where we can travel, so we're planning to stick close to home and walk the Sandstone Trail. We're a bit prone to diversions, and the last time we walked this 34 mile trail, we managed to actually make it 46 miles! Sometimes we just get too caught up looking around and taking photos, so we miss signage; but it's all part of the fun.

Emma documents a lot of her adventures on her blog, https://emmashappylittleworld.com/  and her instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmas_happy_little_world/ . You can follow along with our adventures (and misadventures) associated with the Big Winter Wander there, as well as on Sarah's instagram https://www.instagram.com/umsfromumbridge .Thank you so much for donating!