Thank you to our amazing fundraisers and your inspirational efforts helping World Land Trust to save habitats worldwide.
Take a look at just how far our wonderful supporters will go to save the natural world.
Terezie and Eva’s virtual charity shop
“The local community is a great place to start”
Last year and with lockdown in full swing, Terezie Wickenden was struck by an idea as she watched charity shops close around the UK. What if the many people doing clear-outs had an online store to turn to, selling their unwanted items for all profits to go for a good cause? The Surbiton Virtual Charity Shop was born, and together with friend Eva Katona the duo saw interest for the initiative smash initial expectations: within less than one year, the shop has at the time of writing raised over £2,000 for our Buy an Acre programme from some 1,400 local members, and the flow of donations is not stopping.
To Terezie, the experience shows that those keen to do their bit for the natural world should start with their local community. “Find a local group, connect with other people, support and learn from each other. We may feel powerless as individuals but together, communities can achieve a lot,” she says.
Warriors of the Wild
Henry and Bea brave snowy runs to save 10 acres
To grasp the impact that siblings Henry and Bea have made this year for threatened habitats, a figure will suffice: 538%. That is, at the time of writing, how far they have gone in smashing their target to raise funds for WLT.
These self-styled ‘Warriors of the Wild’ braved a weather rollercoaster in February 2021 – pouring rain followed by unseasonal heat followed by snow flurries – as they hit the trails for weekly runs in support of our Buy an Acre programme. “During our snowy runs our favourite running route was like an ice rink,” they tell us. “It was hard to make ourselves go out in the freezing cold after being warm inside, doing Zoom home schooling.” Henry and Bea say they feel “really proud” to have come so far in their WLT challenge and so they should: they have raised enough funds to save 10 acres of land – a slice of tropical forests and all the life in it that will be protected, thanks to them, for generations to come.
Anna, Charlotte and friends!
Quiet for nature: Anna, Charlotte and friends’ sponsored silence for Action Fund
Keeping quiet for 24 hours can’t have been easy for sisters Anna and Charlotte, but that’s precisely what they decided to do after watching videos of the devastation of the natural world.
Inspired by WLT patrons Sir David Attenborough, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham, the duo held a day-long sponsored silence in early March 2021. Soon friends Henry, Alfie, Leffe, Ela and Olivia were doing the same in their homes – and together they all raised (at the time of writing) £579, smashing the £400 target!
The day of silence was not without its hiccups – Charlotte’s attempt of a silent video call with her grandmother proved tricky – but the sisters left convinced of the difference anyone can make for nature. They tell us: “Do what you can – big or small. You can’t control what other people do but you can be sure you’ve done your bit.”
Teddy
We continue to be astounded by our incredible supporters and we want to say a huge thank you to Teddy, who parted with his hair to help people and planet.
At age 5, Teddy wanted to grow his hair to donate to children with cancer. Now three years later, his locks were long enough to be sent to The Little Princess Trust – and he also used this charity haircut to raise an incredible £1,230 for WLT’s Action Fund.
After learning about our patron Sir David Attenborough in school, Teddy became passionate about protecting wildlife and thought this was a fantastic way to get his schoolmates talking about how we can all become “defenders of the Earth”. We hear he is now growing his hair again to support the causes he loves!
It has been a tough year for nature but everyone can do their bit – just like Teddy. It’s #NotTooLate to join him and us as we change the planet for the better.
Robert Fell
Three Peaks Challenge: No mountain high enough for MPMA’s Robert Fell
Robert Fell describes his decision to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge as a “celebration of, or to be more accurate in defiance of my sixtieth year”. On 22 May 2021, the chief executive of the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA) – who already support WLT through the sale of a refillable water bottle – will set off on a 24-mile trek along the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – all within 12 hours, and with profits from the fundraise going to WLT!
Robert says training has been going well. He tell us: “There comes a time when just being interested in conservation is not enough, you have to try to do your bit. It’s true that as individuals we can’t solve the problems on our own but we can all do something, and lots of people doing something will make a genuine difference.”
Team Toucan
With support from friends and family, Team Toucan have been on a fantastic and touching journey.
They have cycled, rowed, run, swum and walked 2123 miles to raise money for WLT’s Plant a Tree programme, ensuring that at least 200 trees are planted.
Not only have they contributed to vital reforestation projects but their efforts have also been undertaken in the memory of those lost to Covid-19.
Congratulations and Thank you! – to Daniella and everybody in Team Toucan for your amazing achievement and touching heartfelt gesture!
Lisa Henderson, Susan Graham and Sarah Field
Various Action Challenges in 2017,2018, 2019 and 2022.
Lisa, Sue and Sarah decided to walk 100km over 2 days to complete the Cotswold Way Challenge for World Land Trust.
“I’d like to say I helped protect an area of land rich in wildlife for my children to perhaps visit one day,” says Lisa Henderson, who signed on the complete the challenge in 2018 as well.
Becky LockyerFive Year Fundraising Challenge, 2017-2022
Becky has set herself a Five Year Fundraising Challenge to raise £5,000 and enable World Land Trust to buy and protect 50 acres of tropical forest.
Starting with a bake sale, she has planned various fundraising events to raise funds and awareness for WLT, including a series of Ceilidhs in St Paul’s Church, Cambridge.
Five Year Fundraising Challenge, 2017-2022
Becky has set herself a Five Year Fundraising Challenge to raise £5,000 and enable World Land Trust to buy and protect 50 acres of tropical forest.
Starting with a bake sale, she has planned various fundraising events to raise funds and awareness for WLT, including a series of Ceilidhs in St Paul’s Church, Cambridge.