Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year with a series of events and activities to help people take action for Yorkshire’s wildlife and celebrate its wild and diverse beauty.

The Trust was founded on 2nd May 1946 by confectioners and naturalists Sir Francis Terry and Arnold Rowntree as the Yorkshire Naturalists Trust to look after Askham Bog nature reserve in York. Over the last 80 years, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has grown substantially; it now cares for over 110 nature reserves across the county, supported by over a thousand volunteers and 44,000 members.

From helping urban communities to care for their green spaces to providing incredible wildlife experiences for thousands of families, wildlife watchers and businesses, people are still at the heart of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s plans. Thousands join events and activities across Yorkshire and this year a number of special events are being arranged.

Since conception, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been an organisation that works from the grassroots, sowing seeds at a community level to advocate for Yorkshire’s wildlife. No wild creature has been too small, and no challenge has been too big – we are testament to the power of working together.

As we celebrate what has been achieved, we must also confront what is at stake. The next 80 years will not be defined just by protection, but by whether we are willing to transform how we live. The Trust is looking to the next 80 years and the future of Yorkshire’s wildlife – but starting with just the next four. Our ambition is to achieve 30% of land and sea managed for nature by 2030: a reachable goal, if we work together. Yorkshire has the opportunity now to lead the way, with the grit, determination and innovation our hardworking folk are known for.

Surveying Japanese Knotweed on the River Colne Photo: Simeon Gurr©

Beach Clean Volunteers Photo: Sara Spillett©

The Trust has also released a new community fundraising pack to help proud nature lovers get creative in raising funds to support the Trust. This practical toolkit available on the Trust’s website is designed to empower individuals, communities, businesses and organisations across Yorkshire to take action for wildlife. Filled with inspiration, the pack covers everything from working out how to plan a community fundraising event with tips around legal aspects to how to go about promoting your event.

Head of Fundraising Naomi Davis added:
“This initiative is rooted in the incredible support we’ve received over the years from our dedicated volunteers, members and supporters. It’s our way of recognising that people want to take action for wildlife, by harnessing Yorkshire’s ingenuity, creativity and passion and turning it into meaningful action.”

Fungi Fest Discovery Zone Photo: Jo Rawson©

Collecting seeds for Himalayan rust fungus trial Photo: Henry Morgan©

The Trust is also inviting people who love wildlife to join in the celebration at a range of events and activities across the year, with the goal of bringing more people closer to nature and wildlife experiences than ever before.

These are just some of the seasonal activities planned, with more to follow later in the year.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s big birthday party, 2nd May, across the county: On the date of the Trust’s actual birthday, there will be planned events at Potteric Carr nature reserve in Doncaster (including free entry and birthday party food) and at Spurn Point nature reserve near Hull (complimentary birthday cake for the first 80 visitors). Visitors are also encouraged to head to their favourite or nearest Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve and share a photo celebrating a moment in the wild - with a cake of their choice!
Take part in 30 Days Wild throughout June: The Trust’s annual nature challenge to do one wild thing, notice nature every day in June.
Askham Bog talk, 4th June, York: A talk celebrating Askham Bog nature reserve, the Trust’s very first reserve, as part of the York Festival of Ideas;
Yorkshire Puffin Festival, 6th and 7th June, Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve, North Landing: An opportunity to spot some of our rarest and most colourful seabirds.
Yorkshire’s most iconic species, 20th June, across the county: A digital campaign which sees eight of Yorkshire’s most well-loved wild species battle it out for the chance to be crowned the ultimate Yorkshire icon. Vote each week to decide your favourite!

Dry stone walling at Ingleborough Photo: Sara Spillett©

Rockpooling Photo: Tom Marshall©

As well as several region-wide competitions and awards, including:
The Trust’s inaugural Wildlife Hero Awards, celebrating the Yorkshire folk dedicating their time and expertise to making our region wilder;
A Poetry Competition celebrating Yorkshire’s wildlife and 80 years of conservation work, and;
A travelling exhibition celebrating the Trust’s last 80 years, which challenges visitors to think about the future of Yorkshire’s wildlife.

Find out more about the Trust’s history and the events planned to celebrate its anniversary at ywt.org.uk/80-years