As a supporter and member of Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT), I recently attended a dinner at which their chief executive, Nigel Davenport, spoke.

In 2019, SWT celebrates 60 years, and it’s achieved a lot in that time. As these impressive statistics Nigel shared show.

• It looks after 82 nature reserves in Surrey.
• Is responsible for the land management of 21,000 acres, some 5% of the county, which includes land belonging to Surrey County Council and the Ministry of Defence.   
• Has 28,000 members, 1,000 regular volunteers, and 100 full-time staff.
• Educates around 15,000 children annually helped by the opening of a new £1.2m Nower Wood Education Centre.
• Is part of the national Wildlife Trusts federation, of which there are 47 regional trusts across the UK, with around 800,000 members and 2,300 nature reserves.

I live in the depths of the Surrey countryside alongside SWT managed land and can confirm they do a great job. All year round, whatever the weather!

But like all charitable organisations in today’s economic climate, budgets are tight and cutbacks in funding are regular occurrences.

Where am I going with this?

While there are many thousands of worthy causes in need of our support, why not focus on your own backyard and choose one close to home.

As Sir David Attenborough observed: “Surrey Wildlife Trust’s work inspiring people to love nature has never been more important. If we are to protect nature in the future we have to put people at the heart of it.”

I live in Surrey, love wildlife, and enjoy giving back. So SWT was the perfect fit for me and my business. And when I eventually retire and have more time on my hands, I intend to volunteer with them too.

In the meantime, being a member and buying their wonderful Christmas cards are small steps, but as everyone knows, from little acorns…