What we do
Working for the Wild is a UK registered charity dedicated to protecting biodiversity and restoring ecosystems worldwide through grass roots community based conservation and wildlife ranger support. By learning from and responding to local knowledge and by working closely with local partner organisations we work to find the best solutions for nature and communities. We believe the most effective and sustainable conservation programmes work from the ground up. We focus on areas less well supported by other NGOs and biodiversity hotspots in regions with the most critical environment challenges. Threats can include habitat loss, illegal poaching, logging and mining, human wildlife conflict, armed militia groups and climate change.
Community led conservation
We support communities fighting to protect and restore their local natural environment. As such, our wildlife ranger support focusses particularly on volunteer and community rangers, many of whom work in challenging regions with little or no financial support. These dedicated conservation efforts are often undertaken even without basic kit such as waterproofs, tents or communications equipment. This frequently puts the conservationists themselves at risk and reduces the projects’ chances of success. Working closely with partners on the ground, listening to local knowledge, we provide support for vital equipment and training.
Nature-based solutions
We integrate ecosystem restoration, regenerative agriculture, ecotourism, and other sustainable practices into our conservation programmes. These solutions not only protect biodiversity but also provide social and economic benefits to communities, helping them build climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods and promoting nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and provide livelihoods.
Local capacity building
To secure a long-term future for these landscapes, many of our projects focus on local capacity building. If local organisations, communities and conservationists are equipped with the skills, tools and resources required, they are able to build capacity and implement sustainable initiatives. Providing training, mentoring, and technical support can empower local conservationists to become leaders in conservation and sustainable development.
An ecosystem approach
Our projects take a whole ecosystem approach, highlighting endangered flora as well as fauna, while both mitigating climate change and enhancing biodiversity. By developing ecological corridors, and through tree planting, rewilding and habitat restoration, we have supported the recovery of key ecosystems and endangered species.
Prompt, targeted support
We see our small size as a strength – allowing us to offer targeted support extremely promptly, all the while keeping organisational costs to a minimum. Due to our network of trusted on-the-ground partners we are able to respond almost immediately in cases of urgent need across the world.
Collaboration & cooperation
And finally – our conservation model is highly collaborative and cooperative. Joining the dots in conservation gives results greater than the sum of the parts. This relates to both landscape and organisational connectivity – joining forces, sharing information and knowledge to find constructive, effective solutions for both nature and communities.