Take part in our Magical Meadows Big Give appeal
This spring, Durham Wildlife Trust is taking part in the 'Big Give' – a seven day, online, match-funding campaign to raise money for our region's magnesian limestone grasslands. This means that between the 22nd and 29th of April, every donation given to our Magical Meadows appeal will be doubled, making twice the impact for these rare and - for many species - vital habitats.
The North East is home to two thirds of the UK’s magnesian limestone grasslands
Just 1m2 of Magnesian Limestone Grassland supports up to 40 different flowering species, creating a haven for rare invertebrates and wildflowers. However, these special grasslands have declined drastically over the last 100 years and continue to face threats from building development, industrial activity and agricultural practices, as well as neglect.
As a charity, we are in a fortunate position to protect these grasslands from further development and restore the flora and fauna within our 7 magnesian limestone grassland reserves.
How can you help?
Your donation will enable the specialist care these ultra‑rare meadows need. You’ll help enrich wildflower diversity, support vulnerable species like the Northern Brown Argus, and propagate the plants that butterflies and pollinators rely on. Your support also trains and equips more volunteers and strengthens our ability to monitor meadow health and engage people with this globally rare habitat.
Maintain wildflower grasslands
Conduct species surveys
Support a grazing animal.
Incredible Invertebrates
Magnesian limestone grasslands are particularly important for the northern brown argus butterfly - one of only five resident British species with a Northern distribution. With the exception of a single sand-dune site, in Durham this butterfly is restricted to magnesian limestone grasslands.
However, the decline in magnesian limestone grasslands across our region has pushed species dependant on this habitat onto smaller and smaller areas of land that are more fragmented.
By restoring these unique habitats we hope to save rare species like the Northern Brown Argus and create much-needed homes for pollinators.
Please sign up below to receive an email from us at the beginning of our Big Give appeal.