Join us as we learn more about Back from the Brink
and how we can help the project with our stitching!
S
titchers, you’ve shown us time
and time again that you’re
always at the ready to help
others. Well, now nature is
calling out for your stitching aid! Back from
the Brink is a conservation project focused
on saving 20 species from extinction,
including the seven animals and plants
shown in our cards on the previous pages.
“Back from the Brink is one of the most
ambitious conser vation projects ever
undertaken,” says James Harding-Morris,
the project’s communications manager. “It
also aims to benefit over 200 more species
through 19 projects that span England –
from Cornwall to Northumberland.”
Together for nature
James tells us that this will be the first
time that so many different conservation
organisations have come together to
focus on a shared goal – bringing some
of England’s most threatened species
of animals, plants and fungi back from
the brink of extinction.
“Across the programme, 2,890 people
have volunteered to clear scrub, survey
rare species and collect seeds,” explains
James. “In total, they’ve given over 6,339
days of their time – almost 20 years’ worth
of effort to save endangered species!”Changing for good
The project has aready seen several
species successfully reintroduced into
England, such as the chequered skipper
butterfly in 2018. But in order to keep
protecting nature, the project needs your
help. So far, it has been supported by
funding from the National Lottery, as well
as donors and volunteers. Now, we want
to do our stitchy bit and help raise further
funds. So, Lucie Heaton has designed
a set of seven cards featuring the species
on the right – you can stitch and sell them
to raise funds and awareness! ●Find out more about Back from the Brink
by visiting http://www.
naturebftb.co.ukConservation
All^ abou
t
1
Lucie Heaton is happy for you to
stitch and sell the flora and fauna
designs on page 37 to help raise funds.2
Set up a charity stitching group on
Facebook and get friends involved!3
Tweet your finished stitching to
@naturebftb – they’d love to see!4
Tell your friends and family about
Back from the Brink. Even if they
don’t stitch, they can still donate!Willow tit
The UK’s most
threatened resident
bird, the willow
tit likes to nest in
standing stumps of
rotting deadwood.Pine marten
These adorable
members of the
weasel family can
live up to 10 years in
the wild and are on
the rise in Scotland!Grey long-eared bat
These rare bats can
be spotted flying
over wildflower
meadows at night
along the south
coast of England.Pheasant’s eye
This once-common
flower can grow up
to 50cm tall and is
now only found at
a handful of sites
across the country.Interrupted brome
This native grass
was saved by one
lecturer growing his
own collection. All
existing plants are
descended from his.Shrill carder bee
Named for its high-
pitched buzz, this
once-widespread
bumblebee depends
on wildflowers such
as red clover.Chequered skipper
After disappearing
in 1976, a brand-
new generation of
chequered skippers
successfully hatched
in England last year.HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Get to know the animals and plants
featured in our cards on pages 37-40Special
Images at top of page were supplied by Alex Hyde. Images in right-hand column, in descending order, were supplied by
Alexandre Roux, Ben Andrew, Robert Cruickshanks, R I Moyse for Plantlife, Kate Still for Plantlife, Ian Buttler, MJ ClarkW Help protect British wildlife
by selling your stitched cardsW Volunteers record data
about the plants, animals
and fungi in their areaS Tracking small changes
in the environment can help
protect endangered speciesT Getting out in
the field is vital
to the project!Meet the star
species here!