As the climate crisis brings more frequent heatwaves and hotter, drier conditions, the risk of wildfires is increasing. We're seeing the impact right now across Birmingham and the Black Country.

A single fire can have devastating consequences for people, wildlife and the precious habitats that nature depends on. Sadly, on Wednesday 29th July, a fire ripped through our Portway Hill nature reserve, causing significant damage across the site (Read more here). Elsewhere we have seen a number of fires at our Moseley Bog & Joy's Wood nature reserve, a fire which has burnt around two thirds of Castle Vale Meadows, which we helped to create in 2013, as well as fires at Barr Beacon, Perry Hall Park, Pelsall North Common and more.

We want to protect the wealth of wildlife which calls these vital habitats home. The UK is already considered one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and across the urban landscape of Birmingham and the Black Country, we simply cannot afford to lose more wildlife. From solitary bees to small mammals, butterflies and countless other insects, each wildfire is killing wildlife and harming ecosystems.

That's why we need to raise £10,000 this summer. This money will allow us to:

• Restore damaged habitats so wildlife can return
• Support volunteers and conservation staff on the ground
• Raise awareness to help prevent fires before they start

Please donate whatever you can. With your support, we will work to facilitate nature's recovery from wildfire, create resilient landscapes, and seek to raise awareness which can prevent unnecessary wildfires from happening in future.