Conserving wildlife is at the heart of what we do. Please use this page to explore information about wildlife and the law, reporting wildlife crime, planning applications and more.

Our conservation team works closely with local communities and businesses, and also provides support and advice to landowners about how best to manage their land. We also endeavour to work in partnership with developers before plans are put together, to ensure a positive and sustainable future for wildlife in the region.

State of Nature Report 2013

UK nature is in trouble – that is the conclusion of a groundbreaking report published by a coalition of leading conservation and research organisations. Scientists working side-by-side from 25 wildlife organisations have compiled a stock take of our native species – the first of its kind in the UK. The report reveals that 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades. More than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing from our shores altogether.
Read more about the State of Nature report.

Wild Birds and the Law

Britain is home to a wide range of wild bird species, from the colourful goldfinch to the soaring buzzard. Some of these birds are rare and many are common, though all are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). Read more about how wild birds are protected by the law.

Wild Mammals and the Law

The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW Act) protect many of Britain’s wild plants and animals. Protected wild animals are listed on Schedule 5 of the act (wild birds are covered separately). Read more about how wild mammals are protected by the law.

Reporting Wildlife Crime

Using a simple checklist to report wildlife crime can help the necessary authority stamp out these problems throughout the country. Such information will aid the authorities in searching the area and better focus their investigations. Read more about reporting wildlife crime.

Badgers and Bovine TB

Bovine TB (bTB) costs the UK millions of pounds every year and The Wildlife Trusts recognise the hardship that it causes in the farming community. Read more to find out why we believe that a badger cull is not the answer.

Planning

What do you cherish in your local area? Is it local woodland, a spring flowering meadow, or perhaps a nearby stream bursting with wildlife? Would you know where to start if you heard it was under threat from development? Do you know you have an opportunity to persuade planners and decision makers to provide for wildlife where you live?

We care about all wildlife sites but as a charity we have limited resources, so we cannot respond directly to every threat we hear about. In addition to commenting on applications ourselves, we encourage people to take action to protect their local environment. Read more about our responses to planning proposals, Newcastle/Gateshead ONE Core Strategy, and information on commenting on planning applications in your area.

Water Framework Directive

Our aim is to restore or create a range of nationally threatened wetland habitats that reflect the true richness of our floodplains, principally in South East Northumberland.

This would be completed by developing partnership opportunities to plan and co-ordinate wetland habitat management. Wetlands in their various guises can make beneficial contributions to a variety of areas including diffusing pollution reduction and flood management. Read more about our recent successful bid to the Environment Agency to embark upon a project on the river Blyth and its major tributary, the Pont, to improve riparian habitats.

Protect your road verges!

How often do you drive along country roads in the summer, delighting at the feast of colour on the verges from plants, bushes and wildflowers? It's a wonderful sight, and one which we take for granted when the sun is shining and we're taking a leisurely ride through the countryside. 

Let us know if you want to stand up and protect road verges in your local area. Only by finding out the species and habitats that thrive there can we then work to safeguard them. Please fill out our form to register your interest, and also to record any species you have spotted when out and about.
 

FAQ

We receive a wide variety of calls on a daily basis, which often require simple answers or basic information. Browse through our 'frequently asked questions', and contact us if your query is not answered. For downloadable leaflets on wildlife gardening, Living Landscapes and Whin grassland management, visit our publications page.