Driving positive change
As the environment comes under increasing pressure, the advocacy work we do across the county and beyond becomes all the more vital. To bring about the positive change that is needed for the future health of our wildlife and wild places, we rely on our knowledge, scientific data and influence to encourage key stakeholders in nature in the county to take action - in many cases this involves lobbying for legislative change. We act on a local level, and where issues are of national concern, we work in partnership with our fellow trusts and partner organisations across the country so as to have maximum impact. With over 20,000 members in the county, together we can give nature a voice.
Our advocacy work
Our advocacy programme comprises two key areas.
Growing our evidence base
The work we do that focuses on developing strategic conservation monitoring & evaluation, mapping and delivery tools improves our evidence base. It is scientific data and evidence that puts us in a stronger, more credible position to be able to influence and work with Local councils, government organisations, conservation groups and environmental stakeholders across the county to make more informed decisions for our local environments and bring about specific policy changes that benefit our local habitats and wildlife and lead to ensuring that the county’s natural assets are both valued and protected.
Campaigns
We also lead or support a number of both short and long term campaigns around specific issues, which are either of broad local or national importance or, in some cases are particularly important in supporting our Living Landscape work or projects. Working in this way, and sometimes with other conservation partners, as well as part of a national movement of 46 trusts, we are able respond quickly to the conservation issues or challenges as and when they arise and have more impact across a greater area.
Take a look at some of our current campaigns
Take Action for Insects
Insects are dying out up to 8 times faster than larger animals and 41% of insect species face extinction. However, the good news is that it's not too late to act. Insect populations can recover, and we know what needs to be done to save them.
Towards a Wilder Somerset
It's not too late to bring wildlife back. Explore how we are creating a wilder future for Somerset.
How will you get involved?
Badger - Jon Hawkins, Surrey Hills Photography
Badgers and Bovine TB
Somerset Wildlife Trust is committed to bringing about a change in the government’s approach to solving the problem of bTB.
Keep up to date with our work across the county
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