Nature Needs You! Nature Reserves Appeal

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Nature Needs You!

Nature is in trouble, with 1 in 9 species at risk of extinction in Northern Ireland. But there is hope.

The 18 precious nature reserves in our care provide a vital haven for wildlife to survive, thrive, and spread across the countryside in the face of development, pollution and invasive species.

From precious peatlands and wildflower-rich grasslands to ancient woodlands, they are home to over 100 priority species such as kingfisher, red squirrel, common lizard and orchids.

Will you give nature a future?

Maintaining the ongoing health and condition of our nature reserves is essential if we are to create a strong and resilient foundation for nature’s recovery.

It costs us £1,000 per day to look after our 18 nature reserves from carrying out practical conservation tasks and maintaining access to surveying wildlife.

But we can't do this without your support. Please help to protect Northern Ireland’s last wildlife refuges today, through a small donation or increase to your membership subscription.

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What your donations could do

Donate £25

This could help repair vital hand tools such as bow saws and loppers that are used to keep invasive trees and shrubs in check

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Donate £50

This could help care for an acre of species-rich grassland for butterflies like common blue for a whole year

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Donate £100

This could help carry out a half-day survey of woodland wildlife such as beetles, lichen and fungi

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Your donation could help ancient oaks thrive at Glenarm Nature Reserve

Did you know Glenarm Nature Reserve is home to hundreds of ancient oak trees, many over 300 years old? These living giants can support a staggering 2,300 species each, from the iconic red squirrel to birds, bats, butterflies, beetles and a multitude of mosses and lichens. No other tree can support a greater diversity of life than an ancient oak.

Their acorns are the main attraction for many creatures, like the jay which can bury over 3,000 a month to eat later while more familiar birds such as the blue tit and great tit visit for an insect-based snack.

But these incredible and iconic trees are under pressure and need special care and attention to survive. Oaks are extremely sensitive to other vegetation invading their space and without the removal of the competing species by our Nature Reserves team, our ancient oaks would retreat and eventually die.

Only with your support, can we continue to help safeguard wonderful places for wildlife, like Glenarm Nature Reserve.

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Your questions answered

Can my money go towards a specific nature reserve?

Funds raised through this appeal will be used for managing nature reserves across the region. If you would like to help us manage a specific nature reserve for at least a year (starting from £10,000 per year), please get in touch with Vickie Chambers - vickie.chambers@ulsterwildlife.org or on 07485 329 722.

What if we exceed our fundraising target?

If we exceed our £10,000 fundraising target and raise more than needed, funds will be used where the need is greatest to do even more for wildlife’s recovery locally, on our nature reserves and beyond.