LATEST:
About Us
Formed in 1964, the Scottish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based registered charity with the objective to “advance the conservation of Scotland’s biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generations.” Our work is underpinned by a 25-Year Vision to re-establish: “a network of healthy and resilient ecosystems supporting expanding communities of native species across large areas of Scotland’s land, water and seas.”
Membership continues to grow steadily and is currently over 35,000.
The Trust's main activities focus on:
Reserves
SWT has 123 wildlife reserves totalling 20,000 hectares. The network is broadly representative of Scottish wildlife habitats, including urban greenspaces. Reserves are managed to conserve and re-build biodiversity, improve public access to Scotland’s natural heritage and for education and demonstration use.
Wider countryside
This work focuses on the conservation of wildlife outwith designated sites and SWT’s own reserves . Wider countryside work is achieved through practical conservation work, policy advocacy and major projects such as the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels and the Scottish Beaver Trial. Staff, members and volunteers are all involved in our wider countryside activities. We currently have 11 expert Conservation Projects Teams who carry out vital conservation work on the ground. If you wish to hire a team for a project call SWT's Head Office on 0131 312 7765.
Education and people
SWT's people and wildlife programme engages members, the general public, school groups, families, communities, volunteers and also young and unemployed people through our dedicated Conservation Teams. Our aim is to increase access to, and enjoyment of, nature across all of Scotland through, for example, our rangers and visitor centres. We also seek to increase knowledge and understanding of wildlife and teach practical habitat management skills.
Governance
SWT is governed by a Council chaired by Allan Bantick. Members of Council are elected by the membership. Council is supported by a Conservation Committee which advises on conservation strategy and policy.
Operating Structure
Staff. SWT has just over 90 salaried staff. Our headquarters is in Edinburgh and there are 11 small operating bases and three visitor centres. The Chief Executive is Simon Milne MBE.
-
Members Centres
Local presence is provided by 21 volunteer-led Members Centres which provide a focus for members’ engagement in SWT activities and objectives.
-
Volunteers
Over 700 Volunteers are engaged in most of SWT’s activities including reserve management, surveying and recording, visitor centres and species protection programmes.
-
Children
There are 20 children’s groups, known as WATCH groups.
Partnerships
SWT is in the partnership of The Wildlife Trusts which embraces the UK’s 47 Wildlife Trusts (with a total membership of nearly 800,000). SWT also works with other environmental charities through the coordinating body of Scottish Environment LINK, and in close partnerships with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Government agency responsible for conservation issues.
Funding
SWT could not operate without the generous support of its members and supporters. Our principal sources of income are from: membership subscriptions, People’s Postcode Lottery, Scottish Natural Heritage, grant-giving trusts and foundations, and legacies. See our annual review for more information.
Charitable status
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland (registered number SC040247) having its registered office at Cramond House, 3 Kirk Cramond, Edinburgh EH4 6HZ. It is also a Scottish registered charity (charity number SC005792).
