Birdwatch News Archive

Monies raised will help protect and restore rainforests in seven countries around the world. Photo by Vladimir Yu. Arkhipov, Arkhivov (commons.wikimedia.org).

Raising funds for rainforests

Birdwatch news team
Posted on: 31 Aug 2012

The RSPB is calling on birders throughout the UK to help raise money to protect and restore tropical rainforests throughout the world. The society has teamed up with Tesco in a new partnership called Together for Trees, and on 21 and 22 September the campaign will be holding bucket collections at Tesco stores throughout the country.

The charity is hoping that around 4,000 volunteers will help collect money on a morning or afternoon on either day – the goal is to raise £200,000 over the two days, with a total aim of raising £1million in the first year of the partnership.

So far more than 1,000 people have signed up – more than any previous RSPB collection – but more volunteers are needed. Victoria Lamb, Together For Trees Area Co-ordinator for Northern England, said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for the RSPB and a new way for us to raise awareness of the partnership and a significant amount of money to support our rainforest work.

“Our regular supporters have jumped on board to help as they always do. We’re very grateful for the time they give up to collect for the RSPB, but we need more volunteers if we’re to fill every slot that’s been made available to us.

“You don't need any special knowledge to take part in one of our bucket collections – just a winning smile.”

Tropical rainforests are among the most threatened ecosystems globally, mainly due to deforestation for commercial interests. The habitats are home to more than six million species – many endangered or endemic – including Tigers, Agile Gibbons and a huge variety of birds.

More than a billion people depend on the rainforests, and they are also vitally important as carbon stores and are crucial in the fight against climate change. But they are being destroyed at an alarming rate – every four seconds an area the size of a football pitch is chopped down for commercial gain.

Funds raised by the partnership will support vital conservation work such as the replanting of native trees in damaged areas that have been illegally logged for commercial interests, and providing important equipment for teams of researchers and conservationists as well as helping local, forest-dependent people to improve their livelihoods in a sustainable way.

You can help by registering to take part and encouraging your friends and family to volunteer. More than 900 Tesco stores are taking part throughout the country, so there’s sure to be one near you. The deadline for registering 14 September. Click here for more information or go here to volunteer.