Each year, our volunteers make an outstanding contribution to Durham Wildlife Trust and our wild spaces; we simply couldn’t achieve the conservation impact that we do without your support and contributions. This year has been marked by extraordinary efforts, with over 28,795 volunteer hours contributed collectively, welcoming 176 new volunteers who joined us for the first time, and witnessing 315 passionate volunteers regularly taking action for nature.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights that made 2023 an unforgettable year for volunteering.

Our Task Force volunteers have collectively contributed the largest fraction of volunteer hours throughout 2023. Engaging in activities including scrub clearance, tree felling, hedge laying, fence work and reed cutting, these conservation champions continue to make a significant impact to help the Trust manage its 52+ reserves from Tyne to Tees. The power of collaborative action across our reserves magnifies our collective impact and greatly supports our mission to conserve local wildlife.

Last year marked the commencement of our Managing Moor’s Project at Cuthbert’s Moor. From habitat restoration to wildlife monitoring, our citizen science volunteers have played a crucial role in understanding and conserving this fantastic site. Species including golden plover, short-eared owl, small copper butterfly and moss carda bee have been recorded at the site. Citizen science activities not only contribute valuable data but also empower individuals to actively participate in conservation efforts and encourage environmental stewardship.

2023 was a remarkable year for the little terns at Seaton Carew, with a grand total of 125 fledged chicks. Each chick that took flight is a testament to the care and dedication of our incredible little tern wardens and volunteers, who spent countless hours monitoring and protecting the nesting site to ensure the safety and survival of these birds. We celebrate this achievement with immense pride and gratitude. 

As the Trust continues to grow, 2023 also saw the expansion of our team of volunteer rangers. The year-round dedication and commitment of our exceptional team enables the Trust to consistently monitor our reserves and livestock, ultimately enhancing our presence across reserves. This has not only enriched our existing efforts but has also allowed us to broaden our engagement with the wider community.

We are thrilled to also highlight the success of our Wild Working offer. Throughout the year, corporate groups have enthusiastically embraced the Wild Working offer by engaging their teams in hands-on conservation activities and nurturing employee wellbeing through meaningful experiences in nature.