10 Wildlife Conservation Charities to Support

Truth be told there are no shortage of causes in desperate need of support. Whether the savannah, jungles, oceans or the even the British countryside; all have their struggles and need our help. It is deeply upsetting and when you think too hard on it; and distressing that we each only have the resources to help so much. Of course, helping is more than financial though. Awareness is a key factor, as is support. Given that at the time of publishing, there has been a week focused largely on British wildlife awareness; I decided to share 10 charities with a focus on protection, conservation or restoration. All are based in or have active operations in the UK and in my opinion are worth your support.

Bumblebee Conservation Trust

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust was established because of serious concerns about the “plight of the bumblebee”. The group realises that the decline in population over the last eighty years is hugely problematic; as these bees are critical in pollinating our crops and wildflowers. Their vision is to create a world where bumblebees are not only thriving once again; but, also recognised for their value on the ecology.

With a huge staff comprising of volunteers, activists and scientists; as well as a group of passionate supporters. The charity is doing all it can to increase the bumblebee population; and void any more species reaching national extinction.

Butterfly Conservation

With have more than 40,000 members in the UK and 32 volunteer-run Branches throughout the British Isles; Butterfly Conservation is keen to act on the plummeting number of butterflies and moths in our environment.

Over the last 40 years; the group have been acting tireless to collect data and counter the alarming trend that has begun. This decline is a bleak indicator of the overall health of the eco-system and their data suggests that things are not yet improving. However, this has not deterred the charity! Rather, Butterfly Conservation is more resolved than ever to tackle this problem and support the recovery of these vital creatures.

RSPB

Passionate about nature, dedicated to saving it. Since we started on our mission in 1889, the threats to nature have continued to grow, but we’ve grown to meet them too.

We’re now the largest nature conservation charity in the country, consistently delivering successful conservation, forging powerful new partnerships with other organisations and inspiring others to stand up and give nature the home it deserves.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

The WWT protects wetlands and wildlife. It’s that simple, really. The charity takes a strong stance on what it believes is required to better the world we live in. “Imagination, passion and a trusty pair of boots” is the motto they throw out on their webpage. They rightly claim that they are the UK’s leading wetland charity too.

Wetlands are a necessary part of the natural ecosystem. They provides all forms of life food, water and shelter; however, a significant have been destroyed in the name of progress. This needs to be undone if we are to have a healthy and vibrant wildlife population. This is what the trust strives for.

Seal Protection Action Group

The Seal Protection Action Group (SPAG), (formerly the Seal Preservation Action Group) was established in the late 70’s.The charity is extremelt dedicated and wants to see the seal population grow, unthreatened by human interests.

The Wildlife Trusts

The Wildlife Trusts is a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us.  We have more than 850,000 members, 38,000 volunteers, 2,000 staff and 600 trustees.

Each Wildlife Trust is an independent charity formed by people getting together to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live.

Due to the collective nature of the Trust’s; this group is a titan of wildlife charity work in the UK.

Marine Conservation Society

Our oceans are suffering a great deal. We are taking fish faster than they can breed; we are throwing away toxic plastics and chemicals with lasting impact. It is horrific. The Marine Conservation Society is the UK’s leading marine charity. They work to ensure our oceans are healthy, pollution free and protected. The charity’s dream, is to see seas full of life where nature flourishes and people thrive.

WWF-UK

We need to ensure restoring nature is put at the heart of all the decisions we make in our everyday lives.

This is another example of one of the heavy-hitters launching with a very provocative statement. The WWF is involved in the preservation of nature at all levels; politically, economically and socially.

The fact that the group actively manages to raise awareness on a large scale and simultaneously (and publicly) act on recovery efforts, is why many choose to this wildlife conservation charity over other similar charities. No-one can say they aren’t active or worth supporting.

British Hedgehog Preservation Society

Founded in 1982 the British Hedgehog Preservation Society offers help and advice to those with sick, injured or orphaned hedgehogs and maintains a list of rehabilitators in the UK.

Hedgehogs need help. Love and support hedgehogs.

Born Free

Born Free, are a charity that take a strong stance. They believe it is our job to ensure that all wild animals; regardless of whether they’re in captivity, should be treated with respect, compassion. and live according to their needs. Sounds obvious, but of course, it does not always happen. What’s more is that the charity are very adamant that wild animals belong (quite simply put) – in the wild (which of course, they do). However the group do also support conservation efforts for the survival of threatened species, but counter their exploitation; going to great lengths to ensure animal welfare conditions are met in these scenarios. 

All of the charities on this list are excellent choices to support – each does so much conservation, restoration and protection work for a variety of wildlife in their own way. When it comes down to it, you choose which to support by how their values align and what resources (if any) you can offer. After all, time and effort can do just as much good as money sometimes.