Following the AGS Annual Conference 2024 which took place on 25^th April at One Great George Street in London, we’re pleased to announce that the event generated a profit of £3,881. After a discussion, the AGS Officers decided to donate the surplus in its entirety to Projects for Nature, an initiative which aims to restore nature recovery in the UK.

The AGS Sustainability Working Group were given the task to choose one of many projects to support, and after much deliberation, it was decided to donate the funds to the Midland WILD Revival fund, a project focusing on rewilding the River Blythe in Warwickshire.

This project will aim to restore the ecosystem and create climate resilience in the local area whilst also creating a haven for people to reconnect with the great outdoors in the heart of England.

“We’re incredibly proud to back this worthy cause and help support an environmental project which will not only benefit the eco system but also the 2 million residents living in the surrounding areas of the River Blythe,” says Vivien Dent, AGS Chair.

THE MIDLAND WILD REVIVAL STORY SO FAR…

Since 2021, meticulous planning has laid the groundwork for the rewilding of 750 acres of land, a bold venture aiming to redefine the very essence of Warwickshire’s landscape.  Projects for Nature have already made progress with 89 acres of wetland enhanced, 4.2 kilometres of hedges restored and 1.2 kilometres of river re-naturalised.

This project is considered a pioneering leap into rewilding history. This groundbreaking initiative incorporates natural flood management and showcases the power of nature-based solutions to the climate emergency.

The success of this project isn’t purely focused on rejuvenating land, this is also an inspiring movement which involves a whole host of different groups including universities, wildlife recording groups, local heroes, angling clubs, contractors, and spirited volunteers, all contributing to this restoration project for the community.

ABOUT PROJECTS FOR NATURE

Projects for Nature was formed by the Council for Sustainable Business, Accenture, Defra, Natural England, Environment Agency and Crowdfunder to help bridge the nature funding gap and accelerate urgently needed nature recovery in England. It was launched by the Secretary of State at COP28 and is a pioneering platform that connects corporate donors with nature recovery projects across England that have been initially funded by Government and screened by its agencies.

Projects for Nature believes that we need to turn a corner towards protecting and restoring nature by recognising its value and supporting its path to recovery.

For further information please visit www.projectsfornature.com or to learn more about the Midland WILD Revival fund click HERE.