WildNet - Tom Marshall
Become a Member
There has never been a more important time to garden with wildlife in mind.
This year's State of Nature Report found that 1 in 6 species in the UK are at risk of extinction. However, recent reports show that private gardens account for approximately 521,872 hectares of land in the UK. This equates to more land than nature reserves.
While recent news concerning the state of nature is bleak, there are opportunities for rewilding in every type of outdoor space. Whether you have a balcony, a 'yarden'', a lawn or a field, we hope you will create space for nature where you live.
Together, we are able to do so much more.
By becoming a member of Durham Wildlife Trust you can help to restore nature from the Tees to the Tyne.
What's at stake for wildlife
County Durham, Gateshead, Sunderland, South Tyneside and Darlington are home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife. From the moors, to the river valleys and from sweeping coastlines out to sea, there is wonderful wildlife to enjoy throughout our patch.
But our wonderful wildlife is under threat from loss of habitat and change in land use. We want to protect wildlife and give it a chance to thrive, to ensure future generations can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature where we live.
Our local wildlife is in decline. If you love wildlife and wild places, then it’s only natural that you’d want to protect them.
Buff-tailed bumblebee © Vaughn Matthews
We can help nature recover, but we can't do it alone. With our members' support, we can make our region rich in wildlife. Will you help us?
How we protect wildlife
We look after over 50 nature reserves - special places where wildlife can thrive. Our vision is to create a environment rich in wildlife, valued by all. With the help of our members, we carry out our vital restoration work on our nature reserves, and in the wider countryside.
Your membership would help us protect and enhance these special places, and give all local people a chance to explore and connect with nature.
© Wildstock
We're already making a big difference for wildlife...
...but we need your help to do more.
In the 1970s, otters were dangerously close to extinction in the UK. Thanks to hard work to clean up our rivers and restore their riverbank homes, otters can now be found in every single river in the UK, including the Tyne, the Wear and the Tees.
We want to see other species such as barn owls, water voles, hedgehogs and adders make these impressive comebacks.
We know it is possible to save our local wildlife, but we can't do it alone.
The Wildlife Trusts play a very important part in protecting our natural heritage. I would encourage anyone who cares about wildlife to join them.
Join Today
Your contribution will make a real difference.
Why Join Durham Wildlife Trust?
Add your voice
Durham Wildlife Trust is the largest conservation organisation dedicated to our local area. With your backing, we are able to influence local authorities and other stakeholders to make better decisions for nature. What's more, Durham Wildlife Trust is one of 46 independent charities who together form the Wildlife Trusts, meaning that collectively we are also able to champion wildlife at a national and international level while maintaining our local efforts.
Protect
Your support enables us to care for and improve our 50 (and counting) nature reserves. From coast to river to countryside, there is a Durham Wildlife Trust nature reserve near you crammed with vibrant wildlife that needs your support.
Restore
With your backing we can continue to seek out areas for new wilding projects and transform landscapes into wildlife havens which sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
Educate
We know that a thriving natural environment and a connection to nature is essential for the health and wellbeing of people. By joining us you're supporting our education and outreach programmes which engage all ages with wildlife and nature.
Grow
Our precious habitats such as peatlands and fen are disappearing. But your membership helps us buy new land and create more space for nature.
Become a member
Help continue and grow our work for wildlife
What's included in your membership?
When you become a member of Durham Wildlife Trust your regular donation plays a vital part in protecting and conserving wildlife. One of the best things you can do to support wildlife where you live is to join Durham Wildlife Trust. Your contribution makes a real difference.
See what else is included in your membership below:
Membership Pack
When you join you will receive a membership pack which includes:
- a copy of our Welcome Edition of Wildlife Durham, which details our reserves, suggested walks, volunteering and projects.
- a car sticker to display your support with pride and avoid suggested parking donations in our visitor centre car parks.
- the latest issue of Wildlife Durham magazine which comes out 3 times a year and is packed with news from around the Trust, project updates and members only events.
- wildlife trust guide to wildlife friendly gardening
Families with children up to age 15 also receive:
- a wildlife watch explorers pack including a wild handbook, badge, stickers and posters.
- the most recent edition of Wildlife Watch, the nature mag for kids, we'll send you 4 editions each year.
Access to 50 nature reserves (and counting) from Tees to Tyne
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world, from coast to river to countryside, we have reserves for all moods and for all seasons, from the Tees to the Tyne.
Wildlife advice
As a member you can contact us at any time to find out more about wildlife and nature conservation issues affecting you. While the Trust doesn't have a Planning Officer, we will try to prioritise looking at potential wildlife planning issues raised by our members.
Events for all
We offer a jam-packed programme of events and activities throughout the year for all ages, from nature reserve Yoga to family wildlife watch, reserve rambles and more. Many events are held just for members.
Access to training
Our regular training events offer members a chance to meet with other members and volunteers, they are designed to help you build upon your own knowledge and appreciation of nature conservation.
Local interest groups
Durham Wildlife Trust has a number of affiliated local and specialist interest groups, including local wildlife groups, photography and botany groups. Join today and explore your interests with like minded people.
Join Us
Together we can do great things for nature
Need help?
Our Supporter Team is happy to hear from you. Contact us on 0191 584 3112, email membership@durhamwt.co.uk or head to our dedicated Contact page.