How to make the most of your Membership

Take a look through our handy guide on how to make the most out of your Durham Wildlife Trust membership.

1. Visit a nature reserve… or 50…

Get lost, and surround yourself in some natural beauty. From ancient woodlands to coastal beaches, open wetlands to grassland meadows, our nature reserves provide you with a multitude of options, whether you’re looking for a secluded wander or a wildlife experience. Spend an hour walking through carpets of wild garlic at Hawthorn Dene or take yourself for a day out in Weardale admiring the kingfisher at Low Barns. See the full list here.

2. Enjoy a wildlife experience 

Have you ever seen the Black Grouse Lek? When was the last time you tamed a shrew? Throughout the year we provide countless opportunities for members to get closer to wildlife. Many of our most unique events and wildlife experiences are only shared with our members. Check out our events pages here to find out what’s on near you or sign up to our mailing list by emailing mail@durhamwt.co.uk.

3. Volunteer 

From home, at work or on our reserves, there are countless ways to lend a hand. You can join our task force, a great way to keep fit and socialise – this is our number one for wild wellbeing. Why not get the office out for one of our Wild Workdays? Come on one of our litter pick or beach clean days, get crafty at our junior events or even become our next social media promoter. Contact us at volunteer@durhamwt.co.uk or fill out our Contact Form.

4. Take it on tour 

Durham is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts across the country. If you’re heading for a road trip don’t forget to pack your Membership Card as many other Trusts will allow you the same benefits as their own Members when you’re visiting. Go to the Wildlife Trusts Map to see them all.

5. Join in 

As a member you get a say in all we do, including a vote at our AGM. Join one of our Local Wildlife Groups, to meet likeminded individuals and learn more about wildlife issues. You could even become a Trustee and take an active role in how we operate. Drop us a line at mail@durhamwt.co.uk for all you need to know about joining in.

6. Spread the love 

We believe in a natural world abundant in wildlife, with people closer to nature. Whenever you can, encourage others to get involved. Bring a friend to an event, ask you workplace to make us their charity of the year and give the gift of membership to loved ones on their birthdays. Once you’ve read it cover to cover, pass our magazine on to a pal, so they can enjoy it too. If you’re on social media, tag us in photos of your wild encounters, retweet our posts and share our events. Our Instagram, our Twitter and our Facebook are all waiting for you.

kingfisher on a branch

WildNet - Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

7. Ask an expert 

Haven’t seen a Green Finch in a while? Wondering where you might see a starling murmuration? We’re only on the other end of a phone and if we can’t give you the answer straight away we’ll do our homework and give you all the advice you need or use our Contact Form.

8. Let us do the work 

You could have it all if you wanted to. But if all you do is let your direct debit roll on you’re still doing your bit for local wildlife and green spaces. Your membership enables us to manage our nature reserves, run conservation projects, deliver environmental education activities and provide thousands of volunteering opportunities each year. We couldn’t exist without the support of our members, thank you for making it all possible!

We hope you’re inspired to make the most of your Membership! Contact our Membership Development Officer, Emily at eroutledge@durhamwt.co.uk whenever you have any queries.

If you’re not a Member, please join us today. As a membership organisation we rely on the support of our members. With your help we can continue work throughout Durham, Darlington, Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside.

JOIN TODAY

Join today and help us create a richer environment for wildlife, for local communities and for future generations to enjoy.

Bluebell Woods

Digital Paperless

Our greenest yet, all online - minimum £2.50 donation a month
Badger

Individual

One Person - minimum £2.50 donation a month
Two Kingfishers on a Branch

Joint

Two Persons at the Same Address - minimum £3.00 donation a month
Duck and Ducklings

Family

One to Two Adults and Up to 6 Children or Grandchildren - minimum £3.50 donation a month
Comma Butterfly

Student

Code Required - minimum £1.00 donation a month