In 2025, we made major strides towards reversing nature’s decline and strengthening people’s connection with the natural world. Against the backdrop of the UK’s ongoing nature and climate crisis, the Trust and our supporters delivered significant habitat restoration, species protection, community engagement and campaigning achievements. A big THANK YOU to all of you who have supported the Trust in 2025. 

Here are the key highlights from the year.

Restoring Habitats and Recovering Wildlife

The year began with encouraging news: national data revealed that focused conservation efforts in Hertfordshire are helping Water Voles rebound. Two parts of the county were newly recognised as “Regional Key Areas” for the species, and in September the Trust reintroduced 100 Water Voles to the Upper River Lea—another step towards restoring the species to all of Hertfordshire’s rivers.

In spring, we made significant progress in saving the critically endangered plant Scarce Tufted-sedge (Carex cespitosa) by assisting its colonisation at four new sites in Hertfordshire. A total of 900 plants were planted at Fir & Pond Woods Nature Reserve, Panshanger Park, Silvermeade in Lee Valley Park, and the Gaddesden Estate.

Habitat creation and management continued at pace. At Hilfield Park Reservoir, 40 new ponds were built as part of a long-term goal of creating 203 ponds for wildlife by 2030, helping bolster populations of dragonflies, amphibians and aquatic insects. Across the Trust’s reserves, grazing animals—including Water Buffalo, Hebridean and Herdwick sheep played a vital role in managing and enriching grassland, and heathland habitats. And our expert ecological advice saw Iron Age Pigs introduced at Panshanger Park to create miniature wetland features.

One of the Trust’s most significant milestones was the completion of a major seven-year river restoration project on the River Ash, creating extensive new wetland habitat to benefit Water Vole, Brown Trout, Kingfisher and other species. Additional restoration on the River Mimram improved flow and saw woody features introduced to the river to benefit fish. And the conclusion of a two-year project on the River Lea has improved flood resilience, wetland habitat and connectivity between Lemsford Springs and Stanborough Reedmarsh. At Rye Meads, the discovery of 130 Tubular Water Dropwort plants—after targeted meadow management—provided a welcome boost for a rare species of local conservation concern.

The year concluded with the launch of the Hertfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a countywide blueprint designed to reverse biodiversity loss through collaborative, evidence-based restoration.

Communities Standing Up for Nature

2025 also saw exceptional public engagement in support of wildlife. Children and families embraced the Trust’s Timmy Time–themed Hedgehog Walk, while supporters helped raise £20,000 through the Big Give Green Match Fund to restore chalk rivers.

More than 1,100 people contacted their MP to challenge threats to nature protections in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill — an extraordinary show of public advocacy coordinated by the Trust.

Individuals also created or restored ponds through the Trust’s popular Pledge a Pond campaign, contributing to vital habitat creation in gardens, community spaces and schools. Meanwhile, we worked to shift public perceptions around traditionally lesser-loved species, championing gulls and hoverflies.

Our current fundraising appeal to protect local woodlands is being met with generous support, helping to keep these habitats safe and thriving.

Nature’s Role in Climate Action, Health and Wellbeing

We emphasised the importance of nature in tackling climate change and supporting wellbeing. The launch of Herts Rivers Week celebrated the county’s chalk rivers through events ranging from MP visits to pond dipping and riverside walks.

In Watford, the Trust’s new Wilder Communities Officer worked with diverse community groups — from carers to college students and SEND youth groups — broadening access to the health and wellbeing benefits of nature.

Public emotion ran high in spring when the Peregrine Falcon pair at St Albans Cathedral’s first clutch of eggs were destroyed. Their successful second attempt captivated the community, and further good news followed with sightings of three of their offspring —fledged in previous years—elsewhere in the UK.

New wetlands at Stanborough Park brought wildlife closer to visitors, with education sessions for anglers and staff and new interpretation boards soon to follow. Thousands of people also embraced 30 Days Wild and 12 Days Wild, sharing moments of joy found in the natural world.

Looking Forward

The Trust’s achievements in 2025 demonstrate the power of conservation management, community support and collaborative planning. 

Thank you to all our funders, partners and supporting landholders whose commitment makes this work possible. With continued support, we look forward to delivering even more for nature in the year ahead. 

From river restoration and species recovery to public engagement and policy influence, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is driving momentum for a wilder, healthier future for both people and wildlife.

Fiona Mahon, Director of Nature Recovery at Herts and Middlesex Trust says,

“I believe that everyone can do their bit to help nature recover, however big or small. It doesn’t matter how much land or money you have. It costs nothing to use your voice to stand up for wildlife, or to become informed about the state of the natural world both locally and globally. There are plenty of ideas and ways you can get involved to help your local wildlife on our website’s ‘Actions for wildlife’ page.

Together, let’s make 2026 bigger, better and more joined-up!