Earth Trust

05/06/2026

As we came to the end of volunteer's week, we celebrated an incredible milestone at Earth Trust; a huge congratulations to Peter, who marked an extraordinary 20 years of volunteering with us! From hedge laying and coppicing to forestry research and wildlife monitoring, Peter has contributed thousands of hours helping care for nature and our landscapes.

To honour this remarkable achievement, we dedicated an elm tree in Peter's name - a lasting tribute to his dedication, enthusiasm and impact over the past two decades.

Peter's story is also a reminder of the difference all our volunteers make. Whether supporting conservation work, education programmes, events or our visitor centre, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their time, skills and passion help nature and people thrive.

Thank you, Peter, and thank you to every one of our volunteers. We couldn't do it without you. 💚
Read more about Peter's story via the link: https://earthtrust.org.uk/a-very-special-anniversary/

03/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating our brilliant Young Rangers 🌱

Our Young Rangers volunteer across Earth Trust’s landscapes throughout the year, helping care for habitats, manage paths and woodlands, support biodiversity projects and learn practical conservation skills along the way.

Recently, the team spent the day at Wallingford Castle Meadows planting wildflower species including Ragged Robin, Marsh Marigold and Meadow Rue beside the River Thames. The work forms part of a long-term project to help restore a richer, more natural meadow habitat for wildlife.

From digging and watering to carefully recording planting locations, the group worked incredibly hard, all while contributing to a real conservation project with lasting impact.

Thank you to our Young Rangers for your enthusiasm, commitment and muddy boots 💚

01/06/2026

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Earth Trust 💚

From caring for our landscapes and supporting school visits, to helping in our Creative Hub, tending gardens, monitoring wildlife and managing habitats - our volunteers make an incredible difference every single week.

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to every person who gives their time, energy and passion to help nature and people thrive together.

Whether you join us once a year or every week, your support helps create welcoming spaces for communities, protect wildlife habitats and inspire the next generation to connect with nature.

Thank you for being part of Earth Trust 🌿

We're also delighted that, for the second year running, our volunteer programme has received support from the National Lottery Community Fund, helping us continue to provide meaningful opportunities for people to learn new skills, make connections and contribute to the care of our special places. Thank you The National Lottery Community Fund 💚!

25/05/2026

We’re so grateful for the hard work of our volunteers in helping us set up for Spring on the Farm – building pens for our sheep, lining them with fresh, crisp hay, and setting out exciting barnyard games!

We can’t wait for you all to come and enjoy the fun. Not got your tickets yet? What are you waiting for? https://earthtrust.org.uk/events/spring-on-the-farm/

23/05/2026

The way to a sheep’s heart is through its stomach! Sheep are naturally shy animals, and bucket feeding is one of the ways we encourage our flock not to be afraid of people. Our mother ewes are already teaching their young lambs that the bucket has food in it, and the people who bring food are friends.

Getting our new lambs comfortable with people means they’ll be super excited to make friends with all you young nature enthusiasts at Spring on the Farm next week! Have you booked your tickets yet? https://earthtrust.org.uk/events/spring-on-the-farm/

21/05/2026

🚜 We’re setting up our farmyard ready for Spring on the Farm, and our tractor squad is gearing up for adventure! Are you joining them? 🚜
There’s still a chance to book your tickets for our springtime spectacular, opening next week on Wednesday 27th May!
Click the link below to find out more and book your tickets.
https://earthtrust.org.uk/events/spring-on-the-farm/

19/05/2026

18/05/2026

1 great crested newt

This is what ecologist Rob found in the newt traps on Thursday morning after a night of rain with Tim Read, countryside manager here at Earth Trust.

The team are working hard to protect all creatures great and small throughout the Gateway to Nature construction project.

Construction is well underway at our site which will create a new access track, car park and visitors centre with café at Wittenham Clumps. Gateway to Nature aims to improve access to this much-loved landscape while preserving its wildlife.

One of the ways we’re preserving wildlife during this building process is trapping and relocating newts. All these creatures will be carefully rehomed to the nearby ponds which have been screened off to prevent dust entering the water.