The RSPB may be the largest conservation charity in the country, but our national (and even international) scope doesn't mean we ignore individuals and communities. And key to this are our Local Groups - volunteer run, community-centric groups of people all brought together for one cause: to promote, support and enthuse about the work of the RSPB.
For example, between 2015 and 2016, Local Groups were responsible for circulating information about the RSPB to just short of 200,000 homes across the country! With a combined membership of nearly 17,000 people, our Local Groups work tirelessly to help with essential fundraising, interact with the local community and even aid our recruitment of new members.
Infact, the 2015/16 period saw them give over 380 talks to the local communities, engaging nearly 8000 people under the banner of the RSPB. They also led nearly 1700 guided walks for the general public - attended by over 18,000 people! They don't forget the next generation of nature champions either - 108 events were held in schools, captivating over 5500 schoolchildren.
Their value can also be in monetary terms, with Local Groups raising nearly £180,000 through pin-badge & static-box collections, as well as other Community Fundraising activities. A further £20,000 was raised through sales profit at local events and indoor meetings, whilst well over £200,000 was donated through their own fundraising. Add to this the recruitment of over 130 new members to the RSPB, a feat alone worth almost £10,000, and Local Groups contributed a staggering £440,000 to the society!
Whether it be through the near 500 articles in local & regional newspapers, some 60+ radio and TV interviews, or even via their own, separately run websites (nearly 40,000 unique visitors in Oct 2016 alone), our Local Groups help us make the RSPB what it is today, and without them our work would be far more difficult and less effective.
So thank you Local Groups, and every single member therein. Thank you for your tireless enthusiasm, your vital fundraising and your unwavering support. By taking the work of the RSPB down to the community, individual level, you help us spread our message so we can all continue to work for the good of nature, to protect it for generations to come. So here's to you, Local Groups, pat yourselves on the back - you are valued and valuable!
If you would like to join your Local Group, more information can be found here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/community-and-advice/local-groups/