Back from the Brink appeal: Support nature's restoration

New projects and land acquisitions often capture people's imagination. But the most urgent need is often to care for the places we already protect. Without investment in this essential work, the habitats and species that depend on them could be put at risk. 

Across the charity sector, funding for core conservation work is becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Although managing our reserves can be described as 'business as usual' by some, there is nothing ordinary about protecting nature every day. As a charity whose main source of income is philanthropic support, and despite our efforts to diversify our income, securing core funds is one of the most challenging aspects of charity fundraising right now. There is no alternative source of funding for much of this vital work.  

Despite this, our work cannot stop or slow; reserves need protection now. Back to the Brink aims to secure vital funds needed to carry out this work, while simultaneously offering us the chance to have an open conversation about the realities of what it takes to sustain nature's recovery.

September marks the start of a new financial quarter for Kent Wildlife Trust. It's the point at which we finalise budgets and confirm the conservation work we can carry out across the 90 nature reserves in our care. 

Right now, we're facing a shortfall in the funding needed to deliver essential winter conservation work across these sites. Our target of £130,000 represents just one month's investment in protecting and managing Kent's nature reserves. If we reach this target by 1st September, we can begin the season with confidence, knowing this vital work is funded, while continuing to develop innovative ways to secure the long-term future of nature in Kent.  

Our goal is to raise £130,000 to secure one month's essential conservation work across the 90 nature reserves in our care. If we exceed this target, every additional pound will help restore and protect nature across Kent. 

If we don't reach our target, every donation will still make a difference. The funds raised will be invested directly into our conservation work, helping to protect Kent's wildlife and habitats where the need is greatest. We'll also continue working hard to identify new sources of funding, develop innovative income streams, and carefully manage our costs, but without enough support we may have to reduce or delay some planned conservation work.  

If you have any questions, please ask by emailing: [email protected]

At Kent Wildlife Trust, we believe wilding is one of the most effective ways to restore nature, creating resilient, wildlife-rich landscapes by allowing natural processes to recover. But wilding doesn't mean simply leaving nature alone. 

Many of Kent's landscapes have been shaped by people for centuries, sometimes beyond recognition, so restoring natural processes still requires careful management. That can include reintroducing eco-system engineers, reconnecting habitats, monitoring wildlife, controlling invasive non-native species, maintaining the health and welfare of grazing animals, and ensuring sites remain safe and accessible for visitors. 

Wilding is about working with nature rather than controlling it. Human intervention is still essential—we're simply taking nature's lead. 

The Nature Restoration Fund is Kent Wildlife Trust’s biggest ever appeal aiming to raise £3m by 2030. This ambitious target represents the urgency we now face to tackle the concurrent nature and climate crises.   

To shine the spotlight on our wonderful habitats and vibrant species, we’ll be breaking the appeal down into three focused sprints each year. This means that the funding target for each sprint contributes to the overall £3m goal – but it gives everyone the opportunity to support the work they connect with.

As we launch the Back from the Brink appeal, there are no active opportunities for match funding, however we’re always on the lookout and will let you know if this changes. If you are interested in offering a match fund, it’s never too late to get involved.   

If you are fundraising to support this appeal, many companies offer match funding to their employees. Just ask your manager or HR representative, and we’ll be happy to provide any documentation they require.   

Get in touch with us at [email protected] to discuss match funding. 

Yes, if you are a UK taxpayer, you can Gift Aid your donation to make it go even further. At no cost to you, Kent Wildlife Trust will be able to claim an extra 25% on top of your donated amount. Just complete our Gift Aid declaration found here or get in touch with us at [email protected] if you have any questions.  

Did you know that Gift Aid rules have changed? All it means is that we now need your full first name to submit a claim. So, if you haven’t completed a Gift Aid declaration for us recently but want to ensure we can claim 25% extra on your donation, fill out another one today!

Kent Wildlife Trust relies on philanthropic donations from individuals, major donors, companies and trusts and foundations to fund our work. And, like everyone else, this money is not guaranteed.   

While there are some payments that are available due to the land we manage, these only go a short way to funding the work that must be done. 

Nature needs investment now to stand a chance at recovery, and unfortunately, no statutory funding is available that matches the scale and urgency needed.  

There are many ways to help support your local or most loved reserve.  

To help now you can: 

• Donate to Back from the Brink  

• Sponsor a plot at Marden Meadows, Brenchley Wood or Lydden Temple Ewell or sponsor an entire reserve.

• Become a Member of Kent Wildlife Trust from as little as £48 per year and help sustain our future 

• Become a Wilder Kent Patron, a new programme bringing together a dedicated community to support nature’s recovery. With tiers starting from £1,000 per year, and a suite of unique events. Learn more here: kwtg.uk/patrons-brochure or sign up using the form.

• Help safeguard the future by leaving a gift in your will.