Overview
The past year has been one of significant growth for the charity. Guided by YACWAG’s mission to conserve local wildlife and inspire community engagement with nature, 2023–24 saw major progress in habitat protection, community outreach and educationalongside new opportunities and evolving challenges.
Expanding Nature Reserves
One of the most exciting milestones this year was the acquisition of new land adjacent to the Cobthorn Reserve, funded by a legacy gift received in the previous year. The extension, now known as Cobthorn Paddocks, expands the managed habitat for Greater Horseshoe Bats and enhances YACWAG’s contribution to the North Somerset and Mendip Bats Special Area for Conservation (SAC).
YACWAG has registered its land holding with North Somerset Council’s Habitat Bank which will provide opportunities to obtain income from biodiversity offsetting and fund the purchase of more land. This new reserve has also provided an ideal setting for volunteer activities, wildlife studies and community engagement.
Habitat Creation and Conservation Work
In partnership with the Forest of Avon’s Trees for Climate initiative, thirty volunteers planted forty-six new trees to create wood pasture – a key habitat for Bats – and restored an old hedgerow with plants donated by the Woodland Trust. Licensed volunteers expanded Dormouse and small mammal surveys to the new field, deepening the understanding of local species diversity.
Work also continued on the Strawberry Line Local Nature Reserve, where YACWAG volunteers collaborated with North Somerset Council to enhance biodiversity. Projects included pond restoration, reed-bed clearing, wildflower planting and community-led efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour near Yatton Station. The ever-popular hay-raking event at Kenn Moor Orchard ended with well-earned refreshments kindly provided by Thatchers.
People and Nature: Engaging Local Communities
Engagement remained at the heart of all activities.
- The ‘Swift Project’ captured local imagination, with twenty nest boxes installed across Yatton and Congresbury to support these migratory birds.
- The ‘Window Wanderland’ event returned for its third year under the theme ‘Nature as Your Neighbour’ with over sixty homes and businesses participating.
- YACWAG’s ‘Access to Nature’ programme continued to make a real difference, offering guided walks at Cadbury Hill, Goblin Combe, Kings Wood and along the Strawberry Line to help reduce social isolation and support mental well-being. These were complemented by seasonal bird walks, a popular family bat walk attracting over thirty participants and the launch of dormouse survey walks at Kings Wood.
Inspiring Young People
Working with young people was a true highlight.
YACWAG delivered interactive sessions for Yatton Schools Learning College on birds, bats, ‘Nature as Your Neighbour’ and hosted stalls at several community events including local fetes and fairs. A hands-on owl pellet dissection workshop for the Congresbury Youth Partnership proved a particular hit.
A new initiative, ‘Nature on Your Doorstep’, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, began in collaboration with Congresbury Youth Club and After-School Club. This 12 month project aims to foster “pride in place” and deepen young people’s connection with the natural world.
Research, Advocacy and Collaboration
YACWAG supported an undergraduate research project on water quality in the Biddle Street SSSI, contributing valuable data to Natural England’s monitoring programme.
YACWAG also represented local environmental concerns in consultations with the Environment Agency (regarding the Gooseum Reservoir Project) and the National Grid (on proposals to underground power lines affecting bat flyways).
Responding to development pressures remained a challenge. YACWAG submitted representations to local authorities to protect key bat habitats and voiced community concerns over herbicide use, churchyard management and the potential environmental impact of a proposed Yatton bypass.
Community Spirit and Events
Social connection remained an important aspect of YACWAG’s year. Two long-awaited quiz nights returned after a three-year hiatus, drawing enthusiastic participation and raising funds for ongoing work. Midsummer wildflower and woodland walks at Kingston Seymour showcased members’ conservation efforts on private land.
The Annual General Meeting, held at Middlecombe Nursery, Congresbury, concluded with a walk to the new Cobthorn Paddocks – a fitting symbol of progress and partnership in local nature conservation.
Looking Ahead YACWAG Aims to:
- Strengthen and connect local wildlife habitats.
- Expand opportunities for community volunteering and citizen science.
- Inspire young people to become nature champions.
- Advocate for biodiversity in planning and development.
The year ahead will bring both opportunities and challenges – but the community’s enthusiasm, expertise, and shared commitment to nature remain one of the greatest strengths.
Together, proving that local action really can make a world of difference for nature