Emma Thompson, Head of Fundraising and Communication at The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust said, “We are absolutely delighted with the donation received from the Mayor’s Charity Appeal and the generosity shown by the people of Dudley borough. We would like to thank Councillor Stanley and his team for their support. 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. A variety of events were delivered by the Mayor and his team to encourage donations including a charity cricket match and a donation from local recycling centre, HW Martin Waste Limited by selling items including a guitar, weights and even a Bob Marley LP!

Birmingham and the Black Country is home to unique and varied wildlife but it is under threat. The 2019 State of Nature Report cited that since 1970, 41% of all UK species have decreased, 15% of all UK species, including 41% of insects, are at risk of extinction – leaving our ecosystems and livelihoods in peril. The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust remains committed to halting those declines, with over 7,000 members helping to fund projects, maintain nature reserves and manage environments centres across the region.

Councillor David Stanley Mayor of Dudley said: “I put a lot of thought into my chosen charities and based my choice on the organisations’ commitment to improving Dudley borough and also what people have told me about what a great job they do. I see the amount of time and effort the Wildlife Trust has given to the borough and how worthwhile the work is.”