5 minute read
Giving Tuesday began in 2012. It's the simplest idea! A day which encourages people to do good. And it's not just about asking for money (though some of the ideas below inevitably involve it!).
Make a difference: how to get involved this Giving Tuesday
Belinda and The Spinney Action Group volunteers
There are many ways you can get involved with helping us create a Cornwall where nature thrives. This Giving Tuesday, here are ten ideas about how you can make a difference.
Here are 10 thoughts as to how you can make the best of Giving Tuesday...
1. Donate
Ok, let's get the most obvious one out of the way first! Probably the easiest and quickest thing you can do on Giving Tuesday is donate money to a cause. Donating takes under two minutes!
And whether you can afford to give thousands of pounds or a couple of quid, donations really do make a difference.
This year our key request is that you donate to our Christmas Rewilding Appeal. You can find out more about this on our appeal page - or watch the video below...
2. Volunteer
If you have time - and want to get your hands a bit mucky - you can offer to give your time . In fact, you don't actually have to get your hands mucky - we have plenty of wonderful volunteers who come into our head office to do amazing work, which really helps wildlife in Cornwall.
Mounts Bay Marine Group (https://youtu.be/xsUG14dQa4c)
Film created by Polly Ford Media (@pollyfordmedia) and Claire’s Conservation Media (@clairesconservationmedia)
Find out about the incredible community and conservation work happening in Mounts Bay and how you can join in! Cornwall Wildlife Trust are proud to have collaborated with Mounts Bay Marine Group to celebrate the amazing volunteers who protect their local marine environment.
3. Campaign
A very different way to give is to raise your voice - or your pen - for wildlife. Adding your voice to one of The Wildlife Trust's campaigns can make a huge difference.
Why not find out about a cause you feel passionate about, whether it's protecting peatlands or standing up for nature?
4. Take an action for wildlife
Here's another one which won't cost a penny, but will enrich the earth. There are all sorts of things you can do - even in your own garden - which will make a difference for nature.
Create a pond. Build a bug mansion. Make sure you're an eco-friendly pet owner. Feed hedgehogs and badgers. Attract butterflies to your garden. Plant a tree.
There are sorts of different things you can do!
Watch our Conservation Manager explain how to build a hedgehog house...
5. Learn more about wildlife
Educate yourself about wildlife or a conservation issue. Ok, that may not sound much like giving... but it is! Every single one of us is a part of this earth: we're all connected. The more we know about the world we live in, the more we appreciate it, and the more likely we are to look after it. Makes sense, huh?
You may also like to start recording wildlife sightings. Cornwall Wildlife Trust hosts the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (ERCCIS) - the central resource for wildlife and habitat information for the county.
We encourage anyone to submit wildlife records, whatever your experience and no matter how common or widespread the species. Your records will help improve our understanding of the natural history of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, as well as to be used in decision-making, education, research and other public benefit purposes.
6. Fundraise
Your talents can help protect Cornwall's wildlife and wild places, through fundraising. Perhaps you're a talented baker, enjoy running, love to online shop or create amazing artwork. All of these things can help raise vital funds to support out work in halting and reversing the rapid decline of our local wildlife and wild places.
Fundraisers running the Eden Project Marathon for our Rewilding Helman Tor Appeal. As the route went over Helman Tor, they ran Helman Tor for Helman Tor!
7. Share with a friend
Tell a friend about our work and what inspires you to care about wildlife.
Write a letter.
Send a text.
Post on your socials.
Easy.
8. Leave a gift in your Will
Leaving gift in your Will helps protect Cornwall's wild spaces so they can be enjoyed by future generations. It doesn't matter how large or small it is, a gift will make a lasting impact on Cornwall's wildlife far into the future.
Did you know that you can make a Will for free with Cornwall Wildlife Trust? Or you can request a free gifts in Wills brochure here.
9. Shop till you drop!
Shopping?! What? I thought we were talking about giving. Well, we are.
If you buy a calendar, some Christmas cards, or stylish T-shirt from our shop, you'll also be donating to Cornwall's wildlife.
10. Join the movement
Why not join our growing community of over 17,000 local wildlife lovers? Not only will you receive our membership pack in the post, but you'll be making a real contribution to protecting native wildlife and habitats across Cornwall on an ongoing basis.
It only takes two minutes to join - and can cost as little £2.50 per month.