Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 11 hrs ago
Wildlife trust seeks £70,000 to help farmland species in Thames Valley
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust is seeking £70,000 for a project to help wildlife on farmland in the Thames Valley.
The money would go into the trust’s Nature Recovery Fund and support efforts to reverse declines in birds, bees and butterflies.
The trust says farmland bird numbers have fallen 63% since 1970, and half of the UK’s 27 bumblebee species are declining.
Measures could include using fewer farm chemicals and setting aside grassland to improve habitats, soil and waterways.
Farmland makes up 68% of the trust’s three counties, so the trust says nature recovery work must extend beyond nature reserves.
A 2023 report found one in six UK species was at risk of extinction; the trust is raising money to help address wildlife losses on farmland.
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust is seeking £70,000 for a project to boost wildlife on farmland in the Thames Valley.
The money would form part of the trust’s Nature Recovery Fund and target falling numbers of birds, bees and butterflies.
The trust said farmland bird populations had fallen by 63% since 1970, and half of the UK’s 27 bumblebee species were in decline.
Possible measures include using fewer chemicals in farming and setting aside corners of grassland for animals.
The trust said farmland makes up 68% of its three counties.
- Who
- The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).
- What
- It is seeking £70,000 for a project to boost farmland wildlife.
- When
- The appeal was reported on 9 November 2026.
- Where
- Farmland in the Thames Valley, across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
- Why
- To help address falling numbers of birds, bees and butterflies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Farmland bird populations have fallen by 63%, according to BBOWT.
A report by government agencies, environmental groups and universities found one in six UK species were at risk of extinction.
BBOWT’s appeal to raise £70,000 was reported.
- Fundraising target
- £70,000
- Fund
- BBOWT Nature Recovery Fund
- Farmland bird decline
- 63% since 1970
- Bumblebee species
- Half of the UK’s 27 species were in decline
- Farmland share
- 68% of BBOWT’s three counties
What people are saying
Farmland makes up 68% of our three counties, so to truly have an impact on nature's recovery, our work must expand far beyond our precious nature reserves.
I want future generations to experience the joy of countryside filled with life - swallows darting above fields, butterflies and bumblebees feeding on abundant wildflowers, hedgerows alive with the sound of birdsong, and to eat locally grown food that supports a healthy, resilient landscape.