Charity of the year!

I ddarllen y blog yma yng Nghymraeg cliciwch yma os gwelwch yn dda.

Nature provides us with the fresh air we breathe, the clean water we drink and the fertile soils that sustain us. It’s the green engine that drives our economy, it’s central to our natural and cultural heritage and provides the natural riches that keep us healthy and happy. But, while nature is taking care of us, who is taking care of nature?

RSPB Cymru is passionate about wildlife and is dedicated to saving it. Since the RSPB began its mission in 1889 the threats nature faces have grown. RSPB Cymru has risen to meet these challenges by protecting nature rich places, restoring fragile populations of wildlife to the countryside and forging new partnerships, encouraging others to give nature the home it needs. We’re also bringing thousands of young people and their families closer to our urban wildlife in Cardiff, popping up in parks, community hubs and green spaces across the city and igniting a new found curiosity for nature.

Above: Images by Martyn Poynor

We’re therefore thrilled to announce that RSPB Cymru and Buglife Cymru have been chosen as the City of Cardiff’s Lord Mayor’s charities of the year, allowing us to encourage even more people to enjoy the moments of pure joy and wonder that nature evokes. From the wildflower meadows of Forest Farm to the tranquil lakes of Roath Park, Cardiff has an abundance of wildlife on offer, but sometimes it can be all too easy to live in a city without appreciating the fantastic natural world around us. We’re excited by the opportunity to make our city the best home for wildlife it can be and to share that passion for nature with more children, families and communities.

Research has shown that, sadly, only one child in every eight in Wales has a healthy connection with nature. RSPB Cymru and Buglife Cymru are therefore working across Cardiff to bring more children closer to nature through our Giving Nature a Home in Cardiff project, in partnership with the City of Cardiff Council and part funded by the Big Lottery Fund and Aldi.

Since the project began in 2014 it has provided free outreach sessions to over two thirds of Cardiff primary schools, engaging over 17,500 children with hands on experiences with nature. It’s helped communities in 90% of Cardiff wards to spend more time with wildlife through free family events, and worked with local volunteers who’ve donated over 4,000 hours of their time to help engage communities with nature. However, there is still plenty of work left to do. By 2022, the project aims to engage a further 50,000 children, families and local communities with nature; deliver free nature outreach sessions in all Cardiff primary schools and early years settings; inspire communities to create wildlife friendly habitats on their patch and encourage even more people to volunteer for nature in Cardiff.

Above: Images by Martyn Poynor

Nature has the power to stir our emotions, providing lasting experiences and memories that can lift our hearts. It keeps us alive, is crucial to our health and wellbeing and makes our lives worth living. Once it’s gone it’s impossible to replace. If we’re to hand over a wildlife rich world to our children we need to work together to protect it now.

If you would like more information, or would like to donate or fundraise for RSPB Cymru as the Lord Mayor’s Charity, please contact Robert.Williams@rspb.org.uk.