Norfolk Wildlife Trust has an ambitious target of raising £1 million by 31 March 2017 to help it purchase 655 acres of the Hickling Broad Estate that were put on the open market in September 2016. An outstanding £500,000 has been already been raised since it launched its appeal in November 2016.
However, there is still a way to go.
From 27 February to 3 March 2017, NWT is encouraging local community groups, businesses and corporate supporters to
“Help Hickling” and take part in a week of fundraising activities to help reach the £1 million target. The Norwich base of insurance company, Aviva already plan to hold a whole week of fundraising fun for Hickling in their workplace with activities such as a wildlife quiz, a cycle ride to Hickling and a cake sale.
Sophie Gray of Aviva said, “Hickling Broad is a very special place for Aviva staff. Over many years, our staff have been volunteering on regular conservation work parties to support Norfolk Wildlife Trust and help manage this wonderful place for wildlife. We are delighted to help raise funds to secure Hickling’s future and are currently planning a few initiatives for colleagues to get involved in support of Hickling.”
NWT’s Head of Development, Nik Khandpur said, “We’ve received an amazing response so far from our NWT members, charitable trusts and the public but we do need to raise the remaining £500,000 in the next few weeks. Every £1 raised takes us one step closer to our target. There are lots of ways to raise those vital funds and have some fun at the same time. It would be great if everyone could help us protect the heart of the Norfolk Broads through a sponsored silence, a lunch-time quiz, a coffee and cake morning or by raffling unwanted Christmas presents. Why not get outside, if you can, for a sponsored lunchtime welly walk? NWT can supply a fundraising pack with donation boxes, sponsorship forms and posters or chat through ideas – we’re happy to help you do what you can for Hickling.”
CEO of NWT, Brendan Joyce said, “Hickling Broad is at the heart of the Broads and a nationally important wildlife jewel. This would be the biggest land purchase in the Trust’s 90 years’ history. It is a golden opportunity to secure it for the future so that its wildlife is protected and that its natural resources, from which many people benefit, are used wisely and sustainably. We thank everyone who is helping to raise the money and support us.”
To donate to the Hickling Broad land purchase appeal visit our website at:
www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/support-us/hickling-broad-land-purchase-appeal or on our Just Giving page:
www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/norfolkwildlifetrust/hickling or telephone:
01603 625540 to contact our fundraising team.