From the far reaches of the Shetland Islands to the shores of Alderney, there is a host of incredible nature recovery projects on land and at sea starting this year. Speaking with staff at each of the 46 Trusts over the past few weeks, I’ve compiled a whistle-stop guide for the media to share what’s new for The Wildlife Trusts in 2023. These projects are full of hope and determination – every day, staff and volunteers across the UK are working with local communities to bring wildlife back, restore nature and tackle the climate crisis.

It's well known that the Wildlife Trusts are working for change – we’ve already published our Top 10 issues for The Wildlife Trusts and nature’s recovery in 2023. But did you know about all our annual nature events which you can join in with later this year? They include:

• Wild About Gardens – our new campaign for wilder lawns, led with RHS, will start mid-March
• 30 Days Wild – the challenge to do one wild thing every day during June
• National Marine Week – seaside events, activities and inspiration from 22 July – 6 August
• Big Wild Walk – our annual fundraising challenge during October half-term

In June we’ll celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Coronation Meadows. It is a decade since the initiative was launched by King Charles III to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. Over 60 wonderful new wildflower meadows have been created or restored by Wildlife Trusts and we’ll be sharing some lovely stories about these when they’re in full bloom.

It’s only been a couple of months since I joined The Wildlife Trusts last November and what is really striking is the extraordinary range of ways that nature is being restored in every corner of the UK on land and at sea. From speaking with staff from across the federation over the last few weeks it’s clear there is just so much going on. It’s vital that we keep highlighting all the inspiring action people are taking for nature and the climate. There are simply too many brilliant projects to mention but to offer a snapshot, here are a few that stand out for the year ahead:

Cambridgeshire and Cornwall get a lot wilder – Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust is fundraising to reconnect the historic Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen National Nature Reserves for the first time since 1850, creating a fantastic swathe of wetland across the Great Fen. In the south-west, the expansion of Helman Tor nature reserve will be the first step in Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s ambition to create the largest nature recovery project in the county if their appeal is successful.

Empowering young nature advocates – The five Welsh Wildlife Trusts are inspiring young people to protect nature and take action for the climate through Stand For Nature Wales. Activities include stargazing, bat walks and a youth summit.

Championing wildlife on farms – Trusts are working with farmers to help wildlife recover across the UK. On the Isle of Man, Manx Wildlife Trust is helping farmers across 68% of farmland by surveying, enhancing and protecting nature – that’s an astounding 49% of the whole island.

Sustainable creel fishing – Cumbria Wildlife Trust is helping local fishermen trial sustainable creel fishing for langoustines and scampi. This low-impact method of fishing is vital for the future of seabed habitat recovery, carbon storage and marine life.

Wilder Marches – a new project across two countries, three major river catchments and four Wildlife Trusts aims to kickstart nature’s recovery across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire by creating and restoring nature at scale.

From dormice, beavers and ospreys to the carnivorous plant in Lancashire, these and hundreds more projects are bursting with wildlife. It’s incredibly exciting to have such a broad insight into all the action on the ground planned for this year and I look forward to raising further awareness of each and every story. Here's to championing this wilder year with you all!

Naomi Crowther is Senior Media Officer at The Wildlife Trusts

www.wildlifetrusts.org/media