Birdworld– the UK’s largest bird Park – has funded the purchase and protection of 26 acres of threatened habitat in Africa and South America.
The Farnham-based family attraction donated to World Land Trust (WLT), an international conservation charity dedicated to protecting the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats.
The generous support – made possible by the Birdworld Conservation Fund through WLT’s Buy an Acre programme – has helped safeguard land in Argentina’s Somuncurá Plateau, Kenya’s Dakatcha Woodland and South Africa’s globally rare Renosterveld.
As Birdworld continues its commitment to conservation both in the UK and worldwide, its contribution has ensured that endangered species have a chance to survive and thrive, such as the Endangered Black Harrier (Circus maurus), a rare bird of prey found only in southern Africa, the Clarke’s Weaver (Ploceus golandi), a songbird with its only known breeding site in Kenya’s Dakatcha Woodland, and the Critically Endangered El Rincón Stream Frog (Pleurodema somuncurense), which lives in a single river system in Argentina.
Patricia Teixeira, Fundraising and Engagement Officer at World Land Trust, said:
“With 2024 recording the highest-ever rate of forest loss due to wildfires, the world faces a critical tipping point for forest protection.
“In 2024, WLT saved 244,342 ha of priority land across all programmes, including Buy an Acre, with 173,858 ha (71%) funded solely by WLT, and thousands more in progress. We are equally proud to report that in 2024, 98.8% of key indicator species populations monitored by our partner organisations remained stable or increased at reserves established with support from WLT – clear evidence that protection works.
“It is thanks to the support of organisations like Birdworld that we are able to achieve this impact, and we are truly grateful for their commitment.”
James Robson, General Manager of Birdworld, said: “We believe the natural world, with all its diversity and complexity, is the greatest teacher. Our aim is not only to protect endangered species here at Birdworld, but also to contribute to breeding and conservation programmes beyond our own. By supporting projects that safeguard habitats, we can also inspire and educate the next generation of decision makers.
He added: “We feel privileged to work alongside World Land Trust and support such an important cause, and we look forward to seeing the impact of its Buy an Acre programme for many years to come. We are truly grateful.”
Since launching in 2008, the Birdworld Conservation Fund has raised over £90,000, helping initiatives that protect birdlife in the UK and across the world.