Sunnybank and Crabtree Ponds nature reserves need to raise £10,000 by Thursday 25 April to enable The Big Give Fund’s matching grant.
Nature is continuing to decline at an alarming rate and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust have identified five priorities for politicians ahead of the next general election.
It aims to bring back the UK’s lost wildlife, end river pollution and water scarcity and put more funding into wildlife-friendly farming.
Other key priorities are, enabling healthy communities and tackling the climate emergency by protecting and restoring natural habitats.
Paul Hodges, Fundraising and Corporate Relations Officer from the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, explained The Big Give has several campaigns throughout the year, they have their champions, which are other companies and organisations that provide financial contributions to match donations from the general public.
Sunnybank and Crabtree Ponds nature reserves application was successful meaning The Big Give will provide £10,000, effectively doubling what has already been donated.
“Donating goes twice as far this way,” Mr Hodges said.
Currently, the campaign has 20% left of funds to raise to make vital improvements to the Sunnybank and Crabtree Ponds nature reserves. Both nature reserves are in urban areas with nearby schools, but their ponds are currently in poor condition. These sites should be nice places for families and communities to enjoy.
Mr Hodges explained how the funding will be used, he said: “The ponds will be re-dug, there will be new boardwalks or ponded platforms that go around the area and it should provide a great new habitat for various amphibians. We will also improve the meadows and woodland around each site.”
The new habitat enhancements will make a significant contribution to the overall health of birds, mammals and insects in the local area, Mr Hodge explained. As a rural area, they hope to see more foxes and hedgehogs too.
Involving the community is very important to Mr Hodge, who said how interpretation boards and signage will help people to get connected with nature. Pond dipping will also be available to the public.
To find out more, there will be staff and volunteers at Sunnybank Nature Reserve on Wednesday 24 April between 11 am and 1 pm.
Donate here: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a056900002SEV60AAH
(All photos by Sarah Sidgwick)
