Je T'hames <3

On August 31 I will be swimming 1 mile in the River Thames to fundraise for the RSPB’s Greater Thames Futurescape (GTF) project.  This is a new challenge for me – entirely different to swimming up and down the 14m heated pool at the gym!  Any donation (big or small) is much appreciated.  As an employee of the RSPB, I can really vouch for them and say what an amazing charity they are!

I began work for the RSPB in April this year as the GTF’s Community Engagement Officer, I work with communities to connect people with their local landscape.  I truly believe this landscape-scale approach is the future of conservation.  Hearing about all the brilliant work going on in the GTF has inspired me to support the project in my own time.  What better way to fundraise for nature in the Thames than to swim in the Thames itself?!

If you would like to hear more about the GTF project and the work I am doing to connect people with nature in the Greater Thames, read on (if not, then feel free to take my word that it’s an amazing project and click “donate”!).....

The future of conservation

The Greater Thames is a truly unique landscape.  In the shadow of the Royal Victoria Dock, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Thames is all about heavy industry, commercial shipping, business and people.  But it is actually an amazing place for wildlife; with cute water voles roaming the reed-fringed ditches and 500,000 migrants relying on the area for feeding and roosting!

Sadly, the UK’s landscapes are in trouble.  Despite previous conservation efforts, nature is rapidly declining due to climate change and habitat loss.  The RSPB is working to halt these declines, but we know no one organisation can do this alone.

Futurescapes is a movement to provide rich habitats for wildlife and diverse, green spaces for people to enjoy, not only in protected areas but far beyond.  The Greater Thames Futurescape covers over 1,000 square km; starting at Tower Bridge, stretching along the estuary and out into the North Sea.  By working with communities and building partnerships through Futurescapes, we can provide space for nature in this crowded landscape.

Without support from the public, the RSPB’s conservation work would not be possible: so dig deep and join me in shouting “Je T’hames!”

90p of every £1 donated to the RSPB is spent directly on conservation work, so you can rest assured your money is going to a good cause.

Futurescapes is generously supported by the EU LIFE+ Communications Programme.  For more information see www.rspb.org.uk/futurescapes

Donating through JustGiving is simple and totally secure.  Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails.  Once you donate,they'll send your money directly to the charity.  So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So, what do I do?

Supported by the EU LIFE+ Communications Programme, my job is to connect local communities with nature.  As well as getting out and talking to the general public about our work, I also work with community groups, helping them to help nature.

I have all sorts of projects planned over the next year including a photography competition and a family fun run on one of our North Kent reserves.  I am currently working with thousands of children all over the Kent, Essex and London to create the world’s longest bunting line.  When finished, the line of flags will measure over 3 miles – that’s a lot of children showing their support for Thames wildlife!

Whoever you are, please get in touch if you would like to help me give nature a home in the Greater Thames!  Email stephanie.lawrence@rspb.org.uk or call 07850210039.