Protecting Biodiversity

Last year, a comprehensive global report revealed the catastrophic rate at which we are losing biodiversity. Wetlands are being lost at a speed three times faster than forests which is driving the extinction of an unprecedented number of animals and plants. This will have a knock-on effect on the survival of other species. The more species we can save, the healthier our planet will be.

Wetlands are full of biodiversity, providing homes for many endangered species. They are a key part of what nature does for people, storing carbon and providing essential protection against environmental issues like flooding, drought and pollution. 40% of all species rely on freshwater wetlands, despite them covering less than 1% of the world's surface.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is the UK's leading wetland conservation charity. Thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery, WWT is working to protect, create and restore wetlands in many places in the UK and abroad.

Restoring Wetlands

Our players have now raised £2 Million for WWT. In 2020, funding will enable WWT to:

• Restore wetland habitats at WWT Arundel in West Sussex. Pools, ditches and scrapes in the wet woodlands will be restored, creating amazing habitat for a wide range of wetland wildlife including plants, dragonflies and damselflies.
• Work with farmers and local communities to find and deliver the solutions needed to prevent birdlife such as the curlew becoming extinct. A major part of this work will be curlew 'headstarting', removing eggs from wild nests under license, then hatching and rearing the curlew chicks in captivity before releasing them as soon as they are able to fly.
• Create new habitat and improve water quality at WWT Martin Mere in Lancashire, improving habitat for many species including reed bunting, cuckoo and Bittern.

WWT welcomes one million visitors to its ten Wetland Reserves each year, helping people get closer to nature and experience the wonderful health and wellbeing benefits this brings. By motivating everyone to value the benefits wetlands offer, WWT inspires many people to take action for conservation.

Tim McGregor, Centre Manager at WWT Arundel, said, "The generosity we get from players of People's Postcode Lottery allows us to dream a little bigger, go that extra mile. They help us tell the whole story."

World Wetlands Day on Sunday 2nd February this year highlights the importance of wetland biodiversity, raising awareness for the huge number of benefits wetlands provide.

Superb Causes

Find out more about the amazing charities our players are supporting. If you'd like to know more about playing People's Postcode Lottery then check out How It Works. Players can win fantastic Prizes every day!

Signing up to play People's Postcode Lottery is a great way to help a range of wonderful charities. If you'd like to get involved with good causes in a more hands-on way, such as volunteering with a charity that inspires you, find out How To Help.