Sussex Wildlife Trust celebrates 50th Anniversary.

In 2011 Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) celebrates half a century of conservation in Sussex. Formed in 1961, SWT is now the largest conservation organisation dedicated to conserving wildlife and wild places in Sussex.

With more than 32,000 members SWT now manages 3500 acres of nature reserves. From the ancient woodland of Ebernoe Common near Petworth to Castle Water at Rye Harbour and urban sites such as Brighton’s Withdean Woods, the Trust looks after some of the finest examples of downland, woodland, wetland and heath in Sussex.

Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive says “In fifty years we’ve expanded from a small group of enthusiasts to a large conservation charity with the simple aim of ‘Taking Care of Sussex’. Even though the South East is under intense development pressure, the Trust continues to work with others to safeguard and restore a healthy, re-connected environment that allows people and wildlife to flourish in a changing world”

Gifted to SWT in 1966, Woods Mill near Henfield is the Trust’s headquarters and known to generations of schoolchildren and teachers as an inspiring place to experience the wonders of nature. Teaching children from nursery school age through to University students, the Trust runs a successful environmental education programme at Woods Mill, Seven Sisters Country Park and the Ashdown Forest.

SWT also has an invaluable base of volunteers involved in all aspects of the Trust’s conservation work and an active programme of wildlife courses and events to encourage people of all ages to spend time outdoors and find out more about the wildlife on their doorstep.

The Trust relies solely on subscriptions, donations, legacies, sponsorship and grants to fund vital work. By becoming a member you can help safeguard the wonderful wildlife and habitats that Sussex has to offer.

To find out more about SWT please visit www.sussexwt.org.uk or ring 01273 492630.

Sussex Wildlife Trust Online Calendar
To celebrate Sussex Wildlife Trust’s 50th anniversary in 2011, the Trust has produced its first online wildlife calendar. Twelve stunning wildlife images selected from the Trust’s recent photographic competition are free to download and available to grace your computer screens throughout the coming year.

To download the Trust’s free 50th anniversary calendar please visit  www.sussexwt.org.uk/misc/page00012.htm
In preparation for the Trust’s 50th anniversary, they asked photographers to capture inspiring and beautiful images of wildlife and wild places in Sussex for a celebration online calendar.

Congratulations to all twelve winners and to Joanne Hedger whose picture of a speckled bush-cricket was the overall winner. The standard of entries was extremely high, with a wide range of photographic styles and subjects taken in locations all over Sussex.

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