Thank you!
30 January 2012
We’ve reached the end of our 50th anniversary year – and what a year it’s been! I’m writing to say a huge thank you for your support at this exciting time.
You may be wondering about the outcome of our anniversary Living Landscapes Appeal, to which so many of you kindly contributed. I’m excited to announce that, thanks to your support, we’ve been successful in purchasing a wonderful new wetland nature reserve on the Isle of Wight, at Sandown Meadows. Donations from you, our members, along with a charitable grant, made up a crucial part of the cost and the final purchase was made possible by the generosity shown by one of our supporters in her Will. We are all immensely grateful for Cathleen Cooper’s legacy, and I know that her family will be delighted to see what it will make possible for wildlife on our beautiful new reserve.
In total, our 50th anniversary appeal raised over £60,000 to help conserve local wildlife in four of our Living Landscape areas. As well as buying Sandown Meadows, we have raised the full amount needed for Winchester Water Meadows and, though we fell short of our target for Lymington Valley & Coast and Loddon & Eversley heathlands, we will be able to make a start on the most essential works in the coming months.
As you know, we hosted special anniversary events during 2011, and gained a huge amount of press coverage. Many of you also supported Wildlife Week last Spring. The anniversary year was championed by Chris Packham, and we now have more members than ever before. All of this has boosted the Trust’s profile, giving us a louder voice for local wildlife.
It’s wonderful to know that even in difficult times, you continue to support the work of the Trust with such commitment and enthusiasm. Let’s toast the end of an exciting year, and our wonderful supporters who make this success possible.
Cheers, and here’s to a brilliant 51st year!
Very best wishes,
Debbie Tann
Chief Executive Officer
