THE BATTLE to protect the wildlife and open spaces across Dudley borough has been given a £12,000 boost.

That’s how much has been donated to the The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust by the The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor David Stanley.

Or very nearly: the total raised for the Trust as part of the Mayor’s Charity Appeal was £11,965.25!

And the money uis badly needed, as Dudley’s wildlife and urban areas are under I ntense pressure.

A 2019 survey suggested more than 40% of all the wildlife was on the decline, and 15% of species in the country are at risk of extinction – including 41% or all insects.

With more than 7,000 members, the wildlife trust locally is at the forefront of trying to halt that decline.

A variety of events were delivered by the Mayor and his team to encourage donations - including a charity cricket match, a donation from local recycling centre, HW Martin Waste Limited, and selling items including a guitar, weights and even a Bob Marley LP!

Emma Thompson from the Trust said, “We are absolutely delighted. As the Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary, this donation will help us to conserve biodiversity, improve the local environment and raise awareness and understanding of wildlife issues.”

Councillor Stanley is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Dudley and chooses two charities each term for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

Councillor Stanley said: “I put a lot of thought into my chosen. I see the amount of time and effort the Wildlife Trust has given to the borough and how worthwhile the work is.”

For more information about the work of The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, visit: https://www.bbcwildlife.org.uk