insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 09 - November 2015 | Page 93

CHARITY Sussex Charity Profiles Sussex is a very giving county, evidenced by the fact that there are so many Sussex-based charities. Each one offers something different, whether it’s for the countryside, for the wildlife, or for those who live and work in the area. We spoke to a number of Sussex charities and asked them to tell us about what they do, and let us know how people can help. The Sussex Wildlife Trust www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk Who do you help? Sussex Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex. It believes that nature is too important to lose and focuses on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found throughout our towns, countryside, on our coastline and under the seas off Sussex. Sussex Wildlife Trust works alongside local people to create opportunities for them to connect with nature, and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places. By working with our members and supporters, including local businesses, its aim is to ensure future generations living in Sussex will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder and wellbeing that nature offers. What services do you provide? We care for more than 30 nature reserves in Sussex, and protect rare species such as the water vole, nightingale and Adonis blue butterfly. We inspire thousands of schoolchildren to experience and appreciate nature, and we work with preschool children through our very successful Nature Tots programme. We also work to protect places where wildlife is threatened by development, run community projects that give more people the chance to connect with nature, and support local landowners and farmers in managing their land to benefit wildlife. • O  ver five million local wildlife records are held by the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre which is housed at the Sussex Wildlife Trust headquarters in Henfield, West Sussex. We take action to protect the wildlife and the natural environment across Sussex. We create opportunities for people of all ages to learn about nature and connect with it. We inspire people through our events, publications and courses to care for nature. We conduct research that supports the conservation of nature in Sussex, and we engage with policy makers and other organisations to encourage positive change. How do you receive your funding? Our success depends upon the generosity of our supporters, and the more members we have, the more we can do to protect the Sussex coast and countryside. Our numbers include: • Over 30,000 people are members of the Sussex Wildlife Trust • Over 4,800 children are members of Wildlife Watch, our junior branch • Over 500 dedicated volunteers work 6,500 days a year for the Trust • Over 5,000 acres of land are managed for nature • Over 10,000 children visit our environmental education centres every year — we're inspiring the next generation • Over 5,000 people get closer to nature by attending our wildlife events and courses each year 93 Do you have any upcoming events? Please visit www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/ whatson – this will give details of all our events. How can people help? You can support all aspects of our work by becoming a member of the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Just visit our website: www. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/make-a-difference/ join Or maybe you would like to offer practical help by volunteering on one of our nature reserves or as part of our education volunteer team.