Our Big Winter Wanderers
We think The Big Winter Wander is a great day out, but don't just take our word for it! Hear the stories from previous participants as they share the species they saw, top tips on fundraising and the best bits from their walks.
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© Aleid Farnum-Ford / WWF-UKAleid's Big Winter Wander
"I’m a teacher and mum of three young kids so was delighted to find a fundraising challenge that I could focus on and fit into our packed family schedule. The WWF made the registration and fundraising process easy and enjoyable: they provide a beautiful, informative, and customisable page for online donations and have a great set of resources to support walkers, including fundraising ideas and fun nature-based activities to do during your wander. I walked with a friend, and we loved planning a route with as much nature contact as possible. We found the walking physically energising and it felt like a proper bit of calm me-time to be pounding the track in the crisp air. We loved catching glimpses of interesting flora and fauna along the way."
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© Richard Betts / WWF-UKRichard's Big Winter Wander
"The Big Winter Wander is a great opportunity to get out into nature as well as to help WWF raise funds to protect and restore nature in the UK and around the world. I did it last year back in Norfolk. For the Big Winter Wander I decided to walk around this area and I was taken aback by just how much wildlife I saw. It gave me new insights to the area where I had grown up – for example in seeing many species that I had never seen before in that area and had never realized there was so much so near to where I had lived for almost 20 years. And though I now live elsewhere in the UK, I felt it helped me reconnect – with the rest of nature, with myself and with my roots."
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© Denise Parker / WWF-UKDenise's Big Winter Wander
"I’ve always been passionate about wildlife and nature and love spending time outdoors in nature. I often volunteer as a Ranger in Richmond Park, Surrey and believe there are lots of small things each of us can do to help look after the natural world. To help raise funds I set up a fundraising page using the link provided by WWF UK, and shared the link online so people could donate. I shared on my Facebook page with local friends and connections, and shared a few photos of what we might see along the way. I made an initial donation to get the ball rolling. I shared regular updates about our fundraising progress. And shared photos on social media of the interesting things we discovered, beautiful images from our walk, and why support is important."
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© Nicholas Thoresen / WWF-UKNicholas's Big Winter Wander
"We have regularly been on walks during lockdown in order to foster our mental wellbeing, both as a group and in solitude, finding that the fresh air, green scenes and occasional wild animal stretches smiles across our faces. The calming effects of nature helps us destress during such a volatile time and actually gives us something to talk about at the dinner table. It was very helpful that we could link directly to the JustGiving fundraising system, which took away any difficulties fundraising may typically have. It was easy for people to send through their donations, and many thought it seemed very professional and were therefore more encouraged to sponsor Nicholas. We were over the moon at the end result, having thought that the total would equate to a few hundred pounds, yet came at just £100 shy of £2000, smashing Nicholas’ original target."
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© Tammie Esslemont / WWF-UKTammie's Big Winter Wander
"We took a birdwatching walk through the woods for the same reasons one might visit the likes of Tokyo or New York: learning about the cultures, experiencing the different languages, getting away from our day-to-day lives. The only difference being that the locals can fly!"
"The winter wander brought some of my favourite things together, spending quality time with friends, hiking, and spotting birds... and it also raised money to help WWF protect the UK wildlife! I really enjoyed it; it was a great opportunity to explore our area more."
"I enjoy walking and connecting with nature, listening to the birds and feeling the breeze helps to relax me. It felt rewarding to do something I love and support a worthy cause!"
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© Vicky Melhuish / WWF-UKWill & Vicky's Big Winter Wander
"I am 15 years old and a WWF Youth Ambassador and I wanted to get involved in the BWW 2023 because I love being outdoors with nature and exploring the wonderful countryside that I am lucky enough to be surrounded by. I set off on a hike with my mum and trusty hound, a miniature schnauzer called Darcy, from South Harting, along Centurion Way to Chichester. It was certainly an adventure! We saw a herd of deer, lots of birds of prey, including kites, buzzards and a sparrow hawk! We also saw rabbits, wood pigeons, cows and sheep! It was exhilarating just rambling through the countryside, also knowing that I was raising money for such an important cause. I am passionate about nature and helping to preserve the planet and would recommend everyone to take part in such a rewarding experience."
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© Caitlin Blick/ WWF-UKLaurie's Big Winter Wander
Laurie says he wanted to take part "because it is important to help the environment and I am interested in that. The walk was pretty hard but I enjoyed it. I wanted to do a litter pick on my walk because it's a good thing to do."
He says he wanted to fundraise for WWF-UK "because WWF helps the planet by looking after animals. I don't want animals to become extinct."
Laurie says "I saw lots of seagulls, some blackbirds, a magpie, and I think I saw a seal." I feel like the magpie was a notable sighting as we never used to have any on the island.
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Why does your Big Winter Wander matter?
You might notice there’s less wildlife than there used to be. The latest in WWF’s flagship research series, the Living Planet Report, shows that our planet’s wildlife populations have now plummeted by 69% since 1970 – and there are no signs that this downward trend is slowing. Half of all UK species are in decline – we’re losing our precious red squirrels, hedgehogs and birds at an alarming rate. When nature suffers, we all suffer. But we have a prescription, and if we act now we can protect our health and the health of our planet.
By taking part in The Big Winter Wander, you can reconnect with our country’s beautiful wildlife and help protect it. The funds you raise will help us campaign to protect wildlife here, and around the world.
Do you feel inspired to take on your own Big Winter Wander? Sign up today and get our resources, full of hints and tips on making your walk a huge success.