Findhorn charity Wild Things’ campaign backed by First Minister John Sweeney and filmmaker Gordon Buchanan
A ‘Call of the Wild’ has raised a tenth of the sum required to save a local environmental charity in the first two weeks of the campaign.
Findhorn-based Wild Things have had a positive start to their effort to find £20,000 they need to continue offering outdoor education, conservation projects and wellbeing initiatives after Christmas.
Environmental lawyer, Jamie Whittle, is the chairman of the board at Wild Things.
He explained: "We are so grateful for all the fantastic support Wild Things has received
“Times are challenging with the pressures of the cost of living and the difficulties in generating funding for core costs. Any support we receive helps sustain the platform for the delivery of our work.”
Wild Things has helped over 36,000 children, young people and adults since it started in 2003, offering programmes that combine education, conservation and wellbeing.
Within the school programmes, there is hands-on learning where children discover wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship; on the ‘Silver Saplings’ adventures initiatives, older adults can learn about nature and meet other people; and inclusive sessions feature tailored activities for people with additional support needs, to build creativity, skills, and confidence through engagement with nature.
However, behind-the-scenes costs of operations are becoming “unsustainable” so the Call of the Wild aims to raise the funds to continue covering these.
The charity has won support from politicians and celebrities, including Wild Things’ patron, wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan.
First Minister, John Swinney, also voiced his recognition of the charity’s vital role in the country.
He said: “Wild Things is making a real impact by helping young people to understand and value the natural world. In the face of growing environmental challenges and the climate emergency, it is essential that future generations are not only informed but engaged.
“To that end, I am deeply thankful for the work that Wild Things is undertaking and I recognise the important and positive contribution the charity is making across Scotland.”
The Call of the Wild campaign team is urging supporters to keep the momentum going by donating, sharing the campaign, and spreading the word.
Anyone considering organising a fundraising event is asked to contact campaign lead Helen Nasrat at helen@wild-things.org.uk.
For more information, visit https://wild-things.org.uk/
The public has shown strong support for the charity and indeed for environmental education in Scotland.
The charity has highlighted its need to raise funds for its core operations which drive its transformative outdoor education, conservation projects and wellbeing initiatives. Core funding as opposed to project funding is typically harder to obtain from grant funders.
“The ‘Call of the Wild’ campaign is more than just a fundraising effort; it’s a call to action for everyone who believes in the power of nature to inspire and heal,” said Luke Strachan, CEO of Wild Things.
Environmental lawyer Jamie Whittle, who is the current chair of the board of Wild Things, said: “We are so grateful for all the fantastic support Wild Things has received towards its fundraising campaign.
"For more than 20 years the organisation has helped so many people of all ages to connect with and learn from nature.
"With all of its experience in environmental education and habitat restoration work, Wild Things has a more important role to play now than ever. Times are challenging for the charitable sector as a whole with the pressures of the cost of living and the difficulties in generating funding for core costs.
"We are absolutely determined to continue delivering the work Wild Things provides and will adapt as necessary to make sure that happens. We are so lucky to have such a talented team at Wild Things, all passionate about the natural world and introducing others to its wonders.
“Wild Things is committed to making a difference, connecting communities to the natural world, enriching peoples’ health and wellbeing, and restoring the environment. Any support we receive is massively appreciated and helps sustain the platform for the delivery of our work.”
The charity has already won support from politicians and celebrities, including Wild Things’ patron, world-renowned wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, who pledged his unwavering support.
First Minister, John Swinney, also voiced his recognition of the charity’s vital role in Scotland’s environmental education and community wellbeing.
Praising the charity’s work, the First Minister said: “Wild Things is making a real impact by helping young people to understand and value the natural world. In the face of growing environmental challenges and the climate emergency, it is essential that future generations are not only informed but engaged.
“To that end, I am deeply thankful for the work that Wild Things is undertaking and I recognise the important and positive contribution the charity is making across Scotland.”
Wild Things has become a cornerstone for nature-based education and conservation in Scotland, offering a wide range of inclusive programmes.
Within the School Programmes, there is hands-on learning where children discover wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship; on the Silver Saplings Adventures initiatives, older adults can learn about nature and meeting people - reducing social isolation, boosting wellbeing, and strengthening community ties.
For the Inclusive sessions there are tailored activities for adults and young people with additional support needs, to build creativity, skills, and confidence through meaningful engagement with nature.
The campaign team is urging supporters to keep the momentum going by donating, sharing the campaign, and spreading the word. Every contribution brings Wild Things closer to its goal.
They would especially love to hear from you if you are thinking of organising your own fundraising event to support Wild Things ... just contact campaign lead Helen Nasrat at helen@wild-things.org.uk.
charity facing closure if it cannot raise £20,000 by Christmas.
Wild Things helped over 36,000 children, young people and adults since 2003 programmes combine education, conservation and wellbeing.
behind-the-scenes costs of operations becoming “unsustainable”.
‘Call of the Wild’ campaign raise funds.
life-changing outdoor experiences that promote well-being and environmental consciousness.
“From environmental learning to re-wilding initiatives, outdoor adventures and accredited training, connect to the outdoors
outdoor education, conservation and community outreach projects, inspiring environmental stewardship
wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, the charity’s patron, describes work of Wild Things as “inspiring” and “deeply valuable”.
school and holiday programmes, children explore wildlife, learn about ecosystems, and develop environmental stewardship in hands-on, engaging ways.
“Our Silver Saplings initiative supports older adults, using outdoor activities to boost wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and strengthen community connections.
“And our inclusive sessions: tailor outdoor experiences for adults and young people with additional support needs as well as fostering creativity, confidence, and connection.”