Lydden Valley appeal

Fifty years ago, the Lydden Valley in Kent, was a wetland landscape supporting a magnificent wealth of wildlife.

Several linked pieces of farmland in the Lydden Valley have become available to buy, giving us a unique opportunity to recreate a swathe of grazing marsh as a new nature reserve.

Once home to so many fascinating wetland species, and teeming with life, Lydden Valley has the potential to be a fantastic haven for wildlife once more.

What do we hope to achieve?

With your help we could see this whole river valley becoming the wildlife centrepiece of the Garden of England.

Water is the key to life, and when we buy this land, water will be the key to restoring it.

What makes this such a marvellous opportunity is that even though the water is being channelled away this is one of the few places in the South-East where we can easily reverse the process.

We'll dig out the drainage pipes that are bleeding the moisture out of the fields, and in raising the water levels we'll be able to recreate the ancient network of 'grips' – shallow meandering water courses - that will provide vital feeding areas for wader chicks. We'll also be encouraging reedbeds to grow back.

Why we need your help

Your gift will help us recreate this truly special place as a freshwater wetland nature reserve of extraordinary potential, making the landscape wet and wildlife-rich once more.

How much should I give?

£13today will help us recreate and manage 21 square metres of freshwater wetland
£26today will help us recreate and manage 42 square metres of freshwater wetland
£52today will help us recreate and manage 84 square metres of freshwater wetland

3 ways to donate

You can donate by secure online form, by telephone or by post.

1. Secure online form

Donating online is easy and ensures that more of your money is used for conservation.

Donate by credit or debit card

2. By telephone

Our Membership Services team can also take donations over the phone.

01767 693 680

9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday

3. By post

We can accept donations by cheque too. Please make cheques payable to The RSPB and send them to:

Help us bring life to the Lydden Valley
The RSPB
The Lodge
Sandy
Bedfordshire
SG19 2DL