We're on a mission to raise £1 million to restore, connect and protect Surrey’s habitats.
Surrey has always been beautiful, diverse and brimming with life, boasting one of the highest numbers of recorded non-marine species in the country. But we are losing our precious wildlife and wild places, impacting our quality of life, health, and resilience against climate change.
According to the 2023 State of Nature report, native species have declined by an average of 19% since 1970, with one in six species at risk of being lost from United Kingdom. Shockingly, one-third of Surrey's species, including Hedgehogs, Yellowhammers, European Eels, Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Harvest Mice, Hazel Dormice and Wrynecks are in serious decline or already extinct. If we allow this trend to continue, many of these species could soon disappear entirely.
It's not in our nature to stand idly by. Surrey Wildlife Trust has a long-term plan to conserve more habitats for wildlife, expand and connect Surrey’s wild places, and engage more people in the natural world and its benefits. But we can't do it alone. Every one of us depends on a healthy natural world, and it’s imperative that we all play our part. So please, help us raise £1 million to Save Surrey’s Nature. Nature is sending an SOS – will you answer the call?
Why it matters
One in six species are at risk of extinction in the UK. Let that sink in. In the face of shocking headlines, staggering statistics and the destruction of our natural world, we can't afford to let this continue. Our campaign aligns with the nationwide goal of restoring 30% of UK land and sea for nature by 2030. Together, we can make a tangible difference right here in Surrey. Surrey Wildlife Trust has a strong track record of getting results for nature but now needs to aim higher to give our natural world a fighting chance.
Restoring habitats
The Save Surrey’s Nature appeal champions the restoration and expansion of Surrey’s most diverse and threatened habitats. From nationally-significant heathland and chalk grassland to vital woodland and wetlands, we have a plan to create healthier, better-connected habitats to help all wildlife thrive. Wildlife needs safe places to shelter, eat, sleep and breed – and without this, it will be lost.
Working together
At Surrey Wildlife Trust, collaboration is key. We’re connecting with other conservation and community groups to share resources and expertise. By working together, we can achieve our goal of restoring biodiversity county-wide.
By complementing and supporting the work of specialist conservation and community groups - such as the National Trust, Natural England, Butterfly Conservation, Zoological Society of London, the Environment Agency, Surrey Botanical Society, Surrey Mammal Group, Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group, and the Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust - we’re ensuring that recovery plans for these and other species make best use of all available local expertise.
Surrey's special spaces
Our county has hugely important habitats, but they need our help. Find out more about each habitat by clicking the illustration below.
The decline of species like the Nightingale, Yellowhammer, and European Eel is not just a concern – it’s a call to action. These iconic creatures, along with others like the Harvest Mouse and hairstreak butterflies, need our help to thrive once again in their natural habitats.
“With the climate and biodiversity crisis biting harder than ever and putting people as well as wildlife at risk, now’s the time to think and act bigger. For all our sakes, nature’s decline must stop here.
“We have big plans to improve habitats on a landscape scale – and this will mean working closely with businesses, landowners and public bodies to make sure that wildlife doesn’t just thrive in protected pockets of habitat, but also in the places in which we live and work. This will increase the beauty and diversity of our green spaces, reduce the harmful effects of global warming and pollution, and give people of all ages and backgrounds a much better quality of life.
“With costs rising, wildlife and the people who work to protect it are more dependent than ever on the generosity of local people. Even if you can only give a small amount, please consider making this investment in our future.”
How you can help
Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, your contribution matters. Every penny raised will go directly towards protecting and preserving Surrey’s natural landscapes for future generations.
Anything you’re able to contribute to support our appeal will be appreciated and put to good use. Here are some examples of what your money could do:
£25 pays for a conservation grazing animal to graze a site for a week, keeping it in good condition for nature
£50 pays for 40 chestnut stakes for re-meandering river channels, creating habitat for aquatic life
£100 pays for the plants for five metres of hedgerow
£300 pays for a tree popper, a handy piece of equipment for scrub clearance used by Reserve officers and volunteer groups
£400 pays for the management of one hectare of chalk grassland for a year
£2,000 pays for coppice rotation of one hectare of a woodland reserve over four years
FAQs
How can I donate to the appeal?
Thank you for your support! You can donate in the following ways:
Online
Click the button at the top of the page to make a donation by Debit/Credit card, Google or Apple Pay.
By post
Send your donation to: Save Surrey's Nature Appeal, Surrey Wildlife Trust, School Lane, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey, GU24 0JN.
By phone
Donations can be made to the appeal over the phone by calling 01483 795445 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday - Friday.
How much do we need to raise?
We’re aiming to raise £1million through our Save Surrey’s Nature Appeal. It’s an ambitious target (we are asking businesses to support the appeal too) but this vital income boost is needed to achieve more for nature more quickly.
Why is this appeal needed now?
We need to be bigger, bolder and wilder to restore nature at scale across Surrey.
We rely on nature for everything – the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink - and it supports our health, happiness and even our economy. Yet for too long nature has been destroyed through unsustainable, inappropriate development and intensive agriculture. This must change.
Our vision to reach 30% of land rich in wildlife and inspire one in four people to act for nature is bold, but it’s critical we achieve this by 2030.
What will my donation be spent on?
Save Surrey’s Nature Appeal funds will fuel critical initiatives aimed at restoring and safeguarding Surrey’s natural habitats and wildlife.
We’re aiming to raise £1million through our Save Surrey’s Nature Appeal. It’s an ambitious target but this vital income boost is needed to achieve more for nature more quickly.
Our focus includes managing, creating and connecting woodlands, grasslands, hedgerows, and wetlands to establish wilder corridors and protected areas for biodiversity to flourish. By prioritising land management decisions that incorporate Nature Based Solutions, we aim to expand and interconnect habitats across the county.
Additionally, your support will enable us to provide training programmes for aspiring conservationists, inspire younger generations through our Wilder Schools programme, and empower local communities to champion nature conservation.
Rest assured; every pound donated will contribute directly to our critical mission of preserving Surrey’s nature for future generations.
Supporters
754
Jenny Bourne
Just now
More important than ever to support biodiversity initiatives in our county.
£10
+£2.50 Gift Aid
Martin Hodges
3 hours ago
Thank you, you do great work for nature and for those who love it.
