Message from the Chair

I hope you enjoy this, the second newsletter in our new format. Do let us know what you think. There are some interesting articles once again and links for you to look deeper into the things that interest you the most. 

Over the past twelve months, BUWG has been lifted by something extraordinary: more than £2,000 in donations. For a small volunteer group like ours, that’s huge — and it shows that people value what we do. Bat walks, fungi forays, otter mornings, bird walks, tree walks, pond dips, winter talks… these things matter. They bring people together, they spark curiosity, and they help keep local wildlife in the spotlight.

But here’s the truth we can’t keep dodging: the same tiny group of volunteers is doing almost everything, and we’re running out of steam. 

Our committee is dwindling and ageing. Harry, our Secretary, is moving away. We need walk leaders. We need people to help at stalls. We need people to staff indoor talks through the winter. We need someone with a fundraising skill set. We need organisers, do ers, helpers — people who can give a little time so the whole group doesn’t collapse under the weight of its own success.

Because if things don’t change soon, BUWG may fold. And that would be a real loss — not just for us, but for the district. We’ve been here since 1987. That’s nearly forty years of local wildlife education, conservation, and community. It deserves to continue. 

Most people want to come on bat walks, fungi walks, otter walks, bird walks, tree walks, pond dips. They want to sit in warm rooms in winter and listen to interesting talks. And we love providing all that — truly. But these days, fewer people seem willing to get involved behind the scenes. Many younger people are passionate about saving the planet and protecting wildlife… as long as it doesn’t require them to step away from their screens.

So, here’s my appeal, plain and simple:

If you enjoy what BUWG does, please help us keep doing it. If you’ve ever thought, “I could help with that,” now is the moment. If you’ve got a skill — organising, leading, fundraising, admin, anything — we need you. If you can spare a few hours a year, not a few hours a week, that’s still valuable.

BUWG is your group. It survives only if its members step forward. We don’t need heroes — just helpers. And if you’re reading this, that might be you. 

Let’s make sure BUWG is still here in another forty years.

Paul Redmond Chair, Bradford Urban Wildlife Group