Warm summer meadows buzzing with bees and full of wildflowers, freshwater streams teeming with life, ancient bluebell woods echoing with spring bird song — memories are made from such wonders! Where can you go to explore the wild world like we did when we were children, and where can the children of today go?
Looking after special places where nature can be kept safe, 'in reserve', is just part of the valuable work carried out by the Wildlife Trusts nationally, with over 2000 nature reserves now flourishing in their care. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust was in there protecting wild places long before 'green' issues became fashionable. This book gives full information on the Trust's 104 nature reserves, where they are, how to find them and their importance in enhancing the Great Biodiversity of Life.
Nature reserves were never intended to be the only places where wildlife survives, but such has been the extent of habitat loss in the wider countryside that, in many cases, Lincolnshire Trust nature reserves are the last safe haven for many of the county's wild species of plants and animals. If it hadn't been for the foresight and actions of that small group of young people who set up the Trust in 1948, much more of Lincolnshire's wildlife would have been lost.
But it is not a time to become complacent. Just as more and more people are supporting the conservation movement, so there are others who destroy our countryside, often for little more than short-term profit, or through sheer ignorance.
Visit the Trust nature reserves and experience these wild places for yourself. Take friends and family. No matter what the season, you will rediscover that wonderful feeling of nature in harmony and may well emerge back into your busy world refreshed and revitalised. Then, if you are not already a member, join the Trust and support its valuable work.
Professor David Bellamy
President of the Wildlife Trusts
The Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation, formed in 1948, (and now known as the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust) is a charity dedicated to safeguarding the countryside and wildlife of the historic county. It is one of a network of Wildlife Trusts that together form the largest voluntary organisation in the UK devoted to all aspects of wildlife protection. The Wildlife Trusts manage two-thirds of the country's nature reserves. The Lincolnshire Trust is the largest voluntary organisation in the county with over 25,700 members. Its junior wing is the Wildlife Watch Club, which provides environmental activities for children aged between 8 and 15 years.
The activities and policies of the Trust are based on its extensive records of plants and animals, and of the wild places in Lincolnshire where they occur. In 1996 this data was used to compile a special report on the state of the county's wildlife habitats and on endangered species. Entitled "Nature in Lincolnshire: Towards a Biodiversity Strategy", it aims to show how a wide range of organisations can contribute to the task of planning for a better deal for Lincolnshire's wildlife. Copies are available from bookshops or from the Trust's headquarters. The data is also made available to assist with planning and management in the countryside. Many hundreds of planning applications are screened and advice is given to local authorities, landowners and local communities. Education and interpretation are also important activities which depend on this resource.
However, it is the Trust's one hundred nature reserves that provide the most tangible and best known results of its work. They are enjoyed by perhaps half a million people each year.
To achieve its objectives the Trust relies heavily on the commitment and support of members. Much of the work is undertaken by volunteers with the support of field staff and a small administrative staff at the headquarters office. Many hundreds of volunteers work for the Trust in activities as diverse as manning sales points, managing nature reserves, conducting surveys of plants and animals, fundraising and checking planning lists.
Most of the Trust's income is provided by members and supporters through subscriptions, donations and legacies. If you enjoy visiting the nature reserves and care about them and the future of our countryside you are invited to support us by becoming a member and by remembering the Trust in your Will. A membership brochure is available from visitor centres or the headquarters office.
