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How we’ll help wildlife survive and people thrive this winter

Fergus Gill, 2020 Vision

Fundraising Manager, Alice Rees, explains how we’re planning to double support for wildlife and people in Gwent this winter, with your help and the help of the 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Winter brings extra challenges for wildlife and people. For wildlife, food is scarce and overwintering habitats are often damaged or disturbed by human activity, climate change or pollution. For people, it can be a time they go out less, are lonelier, less active and less well.

That’s why we’re hoping to double support to restore habitats, protect vulnerable species and help communities connect with nature in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which doubles donations made to us via them between 2-9 December.

Our Fundraising Manager, Alice Rees, told us more about it.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Vixen in the Snow during winter

Danny Green/2020VISION

How does the Christmas Challenge work?

The Christmas Challenge is the UK's biggest collaborative fundraising campaign, that helps charities raise even more for our causes - Big Give will double all donations made to us on their website between 2-9 December. I’m really excited about this year’s challenge because it gives us a chance to offer even more support for some of Gwent’s most vulnerable species and the habitats they rely on and provide vital support during the winter months when wildlife and people need us most.

Snowy Magor Marsh as captured by Hugh Gregory

Hugh Gregory

How will this support our vulnerable species?

Winter might seem quiet in the natural world, but for our conservation work, it’s actually one of the busiest times of year. This is when we carry out essential habitat management to give wildlife the best chance to thrive all year round. Maintaining ditches and reens on the Gwent Levels which helps keep waterways high quality habitat for Water Voles, while coppicing hazel and managing woodland edges creates the dense undergrowth Dormice need for nesting and foraging.

We also work on grasslands, clearing scrub and creating space so that come spring, wildflowers can bloom, insects can flourish, and birds and mammals have plenty of food and shelter. These winter tasks might be behind-the-scenes, but they’re absolutely crucial for supporting vulnerable species throughout the year and the funds from this appeal will help us do even more of them.

winter walk

Zsuzsanna Bird

How will it help people during winter?

What’s really special about this campaign is that it doesn’t just help wildlife; it helps people too, especially in those darker winter months when a lot of us can feel disconnected or isolated. It will support our Wild Health project, where we’re running outdoor wellbeing sessions across Gwent. These could be gentle woodland walks, hands‑on habitat days or volunteering opportunities where people help plant hedgerows, build habitat piles or help restore meadows.  The project offers recreational, social and work‑based outdoor opportunities for people who may benefit physically and emotionally from nature‑based activities.

The funds from this appeal will help us do even more of these sessions, which are win‑win: you’re doing something practical and meaningful for nature and at the same time you’re getting fresh air, meeting new people, and doing something that gives you purpose. Especially in winter, when getting outside can be harder, these sessions can bring warmth, connection and something positive to look forward to.

Three herald moths clinging to a cave wall, where they'll spend the winter

Herald moths wintering in a cave © Iain H Leach

How can people get involved?

If you’re able to donate, visit the Big Give website between 2-9 December and donate to Gwent Wildlife Trust via the Big Give website and your donation will be doubled (donations made direct to us during that week will not be doubled - it must be done via their website to count)

For a reminder of the ‘double donations’ week, join our newsletter and follow our socials. We’ll also share updates on how our fundraising total is going through the week and tell you more about where the money will go. If you’re interested in joining walks, volunteering events or outdoor sessions, keep an eye on our website or emails all through winter and come along to get out and about, connect with nature and your community, and take action for wildlife.

We’re so grateful for your support so thank you so much to anyone who donates or takes part!

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