The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Conservation Van
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust was founded in 1961 by a group of volunteers, led by Sir Peter Scott, who recognised that local wildlife was under threat. Since that first meeting, 50 years ago, the Trust has grown and now has over 450 active volunteers and 27,000 members! Here are just some of the key events over the past 50 years...
1961
In 1961 the natural wealth of wildlife had been badly affected by post-war farming and the building of new housing and transport links. Gloucestershire's characteristic pre-war species such as the otter were facing local extinction.
The Trust's home was in Community House, College green, next to Gloucester cathedral, a location for TV dramas and Harry Potter film shoots.
1962
The Trust's first nature reserve was Badgeworth Pool.
At the time it was England's smallest reserve at 290m²
It was the only known UK location for the adders-tongue spearwort - (Badgeworth Buttercup).
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1964
A nest box scheme was started at Betty Daw's Wood nature reserve. It was a great success and helped many spiecies such as the nuthatch wren and marsh tit to breed.
1966
The Trust leases Five Acre grove, one of the few surviving ancient woods in the Severn Vale.
1971
The Trust moved to Church House at Standish, Stonehouse, when it outgrew its premises at Community House.
By our 10 year anniversary, 33 nature reserves were managed, and five awards had been received for European Nature Conservation Year.
1983
Cannop Bridge Marsh nature reserve opened to the public, it is surrounded by relics of the area's industrial heritage.
1992
Sir David Attenborough opened new headquarters at Robinswood Hill Country Park, Gloucester.
Officially launched by Professor David Bellamy Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's name also became official in this year, previouslythe Trust had been known as The Gloucestershire Trust for Nature Conservation.
1995
The Trust was one of the first charities to receive an investor in people award for our long standing committment to our staff and volunteers.
1997
HRH the Prince of Wales opened Lower Woods nature reserve.
2000
The Trust organised one of the first Biodiversity Action Plans. It's benefit was to provide a framework for organisations that should include wildlife conservation in their work.
2004
Special 10 year award from investors in people was achieved.
2008
Gloucestershire's first living landscape (The Severn Vale) was launched.
2010
The Trust gained its 25,000th member.
2011
The Trust begins its 50th Anniversary with a huge number of events planned.