Staff opening up the Nature Centre at the much-loved site, discovered an envelope – addressed simply to ‘The Manager’, weighted down with stones, containing £100 in cash. 

In a parallel to recent anonymous cash donations to a number of charities in the Southwest – the envelope contained no details of the donor or why it had been left in this manner. The only detail given was that the donation was ‘for Attenborough Nature Reserve’.  

Speaking about the unusual donation, Royah Darabi, the Trust’s Individual Giving & Membership Manager, said

“This donation was completely unexpected and we would like to thank the donor for their generosity. Whilst donors sometimes ask for their contributions to remain anonymous – we usually know who they are – but to have an envelope left in this way is very unusual – possibly a first for us here at the Trust.” 

Thankfully our team found it before anyone else did – so we can make sure the money directly helps us look after Attenborough Nature Reserve - a site which connects people and wildlife like no other - whether by restoring habitats, maintaining access routes and facilities for visitors or supporting our volunteers. 

Royah continued:

“Raising funds to support our core work – such as caring for nature reserves - is a year-round challenge. We’ve recently launched an appeal to support the protection and management of our wildflower meadows at reserves including Attenborough and we’ve had a hugely generous response. The response to the latest appeal, and this unexpected and unusual donation at Attenborough, highlight just how much people care about nature and their willingness to put their hands in their pockets to support us even during financially challenging times.”