I was forwarded this whilst I was in Oman:-
Rainham Marshes is one of 60 RSPB nature reserves facing proposed cuts, the Recorder can reveal.
www.romfordrecorder.co.uk
"However, a document seen by the Recorder reveals the extent of planned cuts across the country, as the charity attempts to make "annual savings of £12m"."
"The scale of change is described as "significant", with more than 380 people directly affected through their "role ceasing or changing significantly" and 86 people indirectly affected."
"A total of 32 RSPB reserves are planned to be "mothballed" or "disposed" of completely - including RSPB Rye Meads, near Harlow, and Church Wood, in Slough....
Part of the proposed changes includes the scrapping of the Schools on Reserves programme at 14 reserves - such as at Rainham Marshes."
As I understand it, there is a pensions blackhole? An area with which I have a degree of experience. Also back in the days of working for a living, as a newly appointed Finance Partner, I had to oversee an exercise with almost a similar amount of annual savings to save the solvency of the Firm.
I saw a connection in the story with various elements of direct mail that I had received as part of my membership for instance on cut price RSPB Lifetime Membership.
This type of situation requires mature and calm leadership. In general, my experience is that the charity wildlife sector lack these skills. My local reserve was Rye Meads. I know how "cheaply" it could be made accessible in the 1980s.
My "prejudice" (I prefer experience) towards this sector can already be found in many places but there is hope in new elements showing an interest in wildlife restoration.
All the best
Paul