Carolyn Cadman, Chief Executive of Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“Cornwall Wildlife Trust was formed in 1962 by local people concerned about wildlife loss. Half a century later, despite our best efforts 60% of Cornwall’s plant and animal species are in decline. Climate breakdown can only make a bad situation worse. The Trust can’t tackle this alone; thankfully the youth climate strike and other recent protests have raised the profile of climate change and the ecological crisis in an incredible way. This no longer feels like a niche interest but a shared responsibility, perhaps together we can make the step change that is needed”.

The Trust is working towards a wilder future for Cornwall. This includes owning and managing nature reserves and working with community groups, businesses, farmers and fishermen to find ways to protect and enhance wildlife on land and at sea. The Trust’s 58 nature reserves provide both spaces for nature and carbon storage and the Trust plans to expand the area of land they own and explore opportunities for re-wilding.

Carolyn Cadman continues,

“We are exploring how to manage our land in ways that maximise the range of wildlife that can survive and thrive, whilst also sequestering and storing carbon. Sharing nature with people is also a crucial part of what we do which is why many of our nature reserves are open to the public and we run events, walks and talks throughout the year”.

The Trust’s response to the ecological crisis and climate emergency - that has been so well highlighted by school children and young people - is to look for natural solutions to climate change. Working with farmers to restore soils will play an important part, and re-wilding areas that are not agriculturally productive may also help. For example, the Trust is exploring the role of beavers in creating and linking habitats, storing carbon, reducing flooding, protecting against drought and even preventing the spread of wildfire. Bold approaches may be necessary to reverse species decline and limit climate breakdown.

The Trust’s work includes getting their own house in order and the charity is working on an action plan to become carbon zero by 2030.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has a host of positive and practical ways you can help wildlife under threat from climate change, including signing up to the #WilderFuture campaign and asking your MP to speak up for nature’s recovery.

If you’d like to know more about helping nature recover, tickets for Discovery Day – Cornwall’s Wilder Future are on sale. Join us for talks and discussions on Saturday 16 November 2019 at Heartlands. Is Rewilding an answer?  How can we create wilder places?  How do we support people to take action?  www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/discoveryday