Mon. Nov 18th, 2024

Get active for wildlife this October!

Customise your 30km fundraising challenge to help The Wildlife Trusts restore nature!  

 The Wildlife Trusts’ Big Wild Walk aims to be the biggest yet to encourage wildlife lovers to raise money and help restore nature across the UK. 

 Supporters can create their own challenge with the aim of covering 30 kilometres in any way that suits them. The funds raised will support wildlife recovery and contribute to The Wildlife Trusts’ mission to protect 30% of the UK’s land and sea for nature by 2030. 

 The Wildlife Trusts are leading a swathe of projects across the country to bring back nature. Big Wild Walkers in Cumbria can help raise money to buy Skiddaw Forest, whilst Bedfordshire residents could support rewilding at Strawberry Hill, and Somerset locals can fundraise to restore Honeygar, one of the UK’s largest wetlands.  

 This autumn The Wildlife Trusts are encouraging participants to nominate friends and family to get involved too, with #NominateForNature. A digital fundraising pack will support everyone by providing a sponsorship sheet, distance tracking form and social media posts.  

 The Big Wild Walk

Takes place across from Monday the 21st October to Sunday 3rd November 2024. It’s half-term for schools and a great time for all ages to enjoy the great outdoors. Sign-up at wildlifetrusts.org/bigwildwalk

 Rhiane Fatinikun, founder of Black Girls Hike and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says: 

“Dip your toes into the outdoors this autumn, and join me, as well as thousands of others, to experience the joy that nature can bring. Supporting children, families, and individuals to get outside is a cause which is so close to my heart, as well as an incredible opportunity to raise money for a WILDlife-changing charity. Sign up today to get involved with The Big Wild Walk!” 

 Rob Stoneman, director of landscape recovery at The Wildlife Trusts, says:   

“Fundraisers like this provide the cornerstone for nature recovery at scale across the UK. By taking a walk or wheeling around the block, you are playing a vital part in bringing nature back. We want to plant forests where they once were, reintroduce animals like beavers back to the countryside, and rewild our seas. Take a walk on the wild side and help us revive UK wildlife this autumn!” 

 Read all about some people’s plans to raise funds this autumn further below – from Sophie aged 7 in Kent, to Grace aged 18 in Wales. 

 

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

Read next