A Landmark Year
2025–2026 has been one of the most significant years in YACWAG’s history. The highlight was the purchase of five additional fields on Congresbury Moor, tripling the size of our nature reserve on the Biddle Street SSSI. This major acquisition extends the reserve to more than 60 acres (24 hectares), creating even greater opportunities to protect wildlife and connect habitats for future generations.
The year also marked an important fundraising milestone, with YACWAG having now raised more than £1 million since the charity was founded. Thanks to the generosity of members, supporters, grant funders and partners we continue to invest in land, wildlife and our local communities.
Growing Nature Reserves
Our expanded Congresbury Moor Reserve now includes ten fields and around 500 metres of the River Yeo, providing larger, better-connected habitats for wildlife.
Sensitive management across the reserve will benefit Greater Horseshoe Bats, Barn Owls, Kestrels, overwintering birds and many other species while strengthening YACWAG’s long-term conservation work on this nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest. Local farmers continue to play a vital role in managing our reserves using their conservation expertise and practical knowledge.
People Power
YACWAG continues to grow thanks to the enthusiasm of our members and volunteers.
This year:
- Membership reached approximately 400 people
- Our Facebook community grew to over 900 members
- More than 50 active volunteers contributed their time and skills
- New WhatsApp groups helped bring together members interested in birds, bats, insects, mammals, reptiles and plants.
Volunteers supported every aspect of YACWAG’s work, from reserve management and species monitoring to fundraising, administration and community events. As the charity continues to grow, we have also continued reviewing our governance, policies and systems to support this expansion.
Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation
Our specialist volunteer groups continued to make an important contribution to local conservation.
During the year:
- Bird surveys continued across YACWAG reserves and the Strawberry Line.
- Volunteers maintained nest boxes for Kestrels and Barn Owls.
- Dormouse monitoring continued in Kings Wood while new surveyors were trained.
- Bat volunteers developed their survey skills through practical fieldwork.
- A new digital mapping project began recording ecological information across YACWAG reserves and local wildlife sites.
- YACWAG also supported Avon Wildlife Trust with woodland surveys as part of the Wilder Woodlands Project.
Nature is Our Neighbour
Connecting people with nature remains central to everything we do.
Throughout the year we organised a varied programme of walks, talks and community events, helping people of all ages experience local wildlife first-hand.
Highlights included:
- Know the Yeo riverside event during Bristol Festival of Nature
- Apple Day with Yatton PACT celebrating local orchards
- Wildlife walks focusing on bats, birds and dragonflies
- Evening talks covering dragonflies, conservation management, moths, local bird trends and bats
- Stalls at Yatton Schools Carnival, Congresbury Fete and Broad Street Christmas Fair.
Volunteers in Action
Regular work parties helped improve habitats across our reserves and other community sites.
Working alongside North Somerset Council and Weston College, volunteers carried out practical conservation work on the Strawberry Line, improving habitats while providing opportunities for vulnerable adults to take part in conservation activities.
Members also developed traditional hedge-laying skills during regular work parties across several reserves.
Supporting Learning
YACWAG continued to support education, research and skills development.
During the year we:
- Helped three young people complete their Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold Awards.
- Supported postgraduate research investigating how mechanical noise affects bat behaviour.
- Continued helping volunteers gain new ecological survey skills and practical conservation experience.
Investing in the Future
This year we received National Lottery funding to create a brand-new accessible website, making it easier for everyone, including people with visual, auditory or motor impairments, to engage with YACWAG.
The new website integrates membership management and online donations, improving efficiency while helping more people connect with nature.
Financial Highlights
YACWAG remained in a strong financial position throughout the year.
These financial resources will help support the management of our growing network of nature reserves and future conservation opportunities.
Thank You
Everything YACWAG achieves is made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, members, supporters, partner organisations and funders.
Whether you attended an event, volunteered at a work party, carried out wildlife surveys, donated, became a member or simply championed nature in your own community, thank you for helping us protect wildlife and inspire more people to care for the natural world.
Together, we’re creating a stronger future for nature in Yatton and Congresbury.