This festive season, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust is making a heartfelt plea to residents across the county: your spare change could be the key to saving local wildlife. Launching a special '£1 at Christmas' campaign, the conservation charity is asking people to come together and donate a single pound to help protect and restore the region's precious wild spaces.
A Landscape Under Strain
Lancashire's natural environment is facing immense pressure after decades of fragmentation and decline. The consequences of historical decisions are starkly visible today, with wetlands drained for past industry and woodlands carved apart, pushing wildlife further to the margins. According to the latest State of Nature report, the situation is critical, with one in six species now at risk of extinction in the UK.
Lydia German, Senior Communications Officer at the Trust, explained the urgent need for action. "Across our nature reserves, we see the consequences of decisions made long before any of us were here," she said. "When nature suffers a loss, so do we. But this moment is also full of opportunity. We can choose differently, to repair, restore and rewild."
How Your £1 Will Make a Difference
The Trust is clear that even the smallest contribution can create a tangible impact, especially during the challenging winter months. Donations from the appeal will fund essential, hands-on conservation work, including:
- Maintaining and restoring vital hedgerows.
- Installing and repairing bird and bat boxes to provide shelter.
- Improving footpaths to minimise disturbance in sensitive habitats.
Lydia German highlighted the seasonal struggle for animals: "Winter is an especially challenging season for wildlife. As temperatures drop, animals burn more energy just to stay warm, all while facing dwindling food supplies. With shorter days giving them less time to forage, every hour becomes critical for their survival."
Joining Forces for Nature's Recovery
Recognising the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing many households, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust stresses that every single pound counts. For those unable to donate financially, simply sharing the campaign's message is a valuable way to contribute and spread awareness.
The campaign's core message is one of collective power: if enough people across Lancashire group together to give just £1, it can fund significant work to halt nature's decline and begin repairing the local landscape. This community-driven approach aims to foster a shared responsibility for the county's natural heritage.
To learn more about the '£1 at Christmas' appeal and to make a donation, visit the official Lancashire Wildlife Trust website at lancswt.org.uk.
