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Lancashire Wildlife Trust Joins the Big Give Christmas Challenge to Boost Red Squirrel Conservation

Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) is thrilled to announce its participation in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, an exciting opportunity to double every donation made during the week-long campaign.

From 3rd December (midday) to 10th December, LWT aims to raise £20,000 online, with all donations matched pound-for-pound by The Reed Foundation, creating a potential total of £40,000.

Every penny raised will go directly toward our red squirrel conservation project, a cornerstone of our most ambitious fundraising initiative yet: the Step Up for Wildlife appeal. With this milestone, we are poised to surpass the £200,000 mark, bringing us closer to our ultimate target of £300,000 to protect and restore wildlife across the region.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge

The Big Give Christmas Challenge

Why Red Squirrels Need Your Help

The red squirrel, one of the UK’s most iconic native species, faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, competition from the invasive grey squirrel, and squirrel pox – a deadly virus carried by grey squirrels.

Through this funding, LWT will expand its vital conservation work, which includes monitoring red squirrel populations, habitat restoration, and grey squirrel management.

“The Big Give Christmas Challenge provides a unique opportunity to multiply your impact” said David Price, Fundraising Officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

“Red squirrels are a cherished part of our natural heritage, and this funding will help us to secure their future while advancing our broader strategy to protect wildlife across the region.”

Nutkin the red squirrel at Formby, by A.J.Critch Wildlife

Nutkin the red squirrel at Formby, by A.J.Critch Wildlife

Step Up for Wildlife: A Record-Breaking Appeal

Step Up for Wildlife is LWT’s largest appeal to date, designed to tackle some of the most urgent conservation challenges facing our region. From creating connected habitats for vulnerable species to engaging communities in meaningful action, this appeal is paving the way for a brighter future for Lancashire’s wildlife.

“Reaching the £300,000 target will allow us to expand our conservation efforts further and ensure we are ready to meet the challenges ahead, such as climate change and biodiversity loss from development and pollution.” Said David.

Nutkin by A.J.Critch Wildlife

Nutkin by A.J.Critch Wildlife

How to Get Involved

From the 3rd of December, all donations made through the Big Give Christmas Challenge website will be matched, doubling the power of every contribution. LWT is calling on individuals, businesses, and community groups to get involved and make a difference.

“This isn’t just about saving red squirrels—it’s about creating a legacy of hope and action for all wildlife,” added Molly Frost, Red Squirrel Conservation Officer.

“But red squirrels desperately need our help as the threat of the grey squirrel remains. Without the support of our generous donors, this wonderful creature could be lost from our region forever. Please donate if you can as we’re really counting on it”.

To learn more about the Big Give Christmas Challenge and to make a donation, visit lancswt.org.uk to be directed directly to LWT’s Big Give page which opens for donations on the 3rd December 2024 at 12pm.

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