A rewilding charity has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000 to buy 70 acres of disused land along the River Avon near Bath.
Some of the land the charity is hoping to purchase | Photo © Protect Earth
The land, located next to Warleigh Wood in Claverton, presents a rare opportunity for habitat protection and restoration, including the potential creation of wet woodland.
The land, which is surrounded by other conservation projects, has been left to nature for several years.
However, invasive species are beginning to take hold, threatening the biodiversity of the site.
The charity Protect Earth is aiming to purchase the land and restore it to its full ecological potential, creating a diverse array of habitats that could include wet woodland, ponds, grassland, and improved public access.
This land, directly connected to the ancient Warleigh Wood, offers a chance to expand the woodland across more of its historical range.
By purchasing it, the charity says it will not only protect the existing landscape but also restore a variety of rare and valuable habitats that support struggling wildlife and help fight climate change.
Wet woodland will play a significant part of the project, creating a habitat ideal for species such as beavers, otters, water voles, and many species of endangered birds, including willow warblers and yellowhammers.
The habitat will support a wide range of other wildlife, including amphibians like the great crested newt, while also acting as a natural flood defense and carbon sink.
Steve, the ecologist at Protect Earth, said: “While the land is already showing promise for wildlife, we believe it can do so much more with the right care and restoration.
“If we can secure the funds to purchase this site, we’ll be able to protect and enhance it for the benefit of local wildlife, the community, and the environment.”
The restoration efforts will be supported by local volunteers, including those from the Bath area, as well as nearby rewilding and agroforestry projects.
Partnerships with groups like the Avon Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, and Avon Needs Trees will help ensure the success of the project.
Protect Earth has secured support from philanthropic donors and government grants for much of the cost, but needs at least an additional £50,000 to complete the purchase.
All donations will go directly to purchasing the land and restoring its habitats.
If the crowdfunding is successful and permissions are granted, the first trees could be planted this winter, and work on removing invasive species would begin in the spring.
In the event that the purchase doesn’t go through, funds will be held for future land acquisitions only.
To support the crowdfunding campaign, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/reforestation-warleigh-woods-bath
