Can you help me raise money for Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory?
For my birthday this August, I'll be taking to the Welsh coast path and running a marathon around the tip of the Llyn Peninsula with my good friend Will Hawkes to raise money for Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory (BBFO).
The observatory, like many other charities, has taken an immense financial hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, being unable to accommodate guests at the Lodge for the early part of 2020 (their biggest source of their income). Despite this, BBFO is still running the essential survey work to monitor the island's unique wildlife, and still have their staff to pay, fuel to buy, and equipment to pay for. BBFO's projected loss for the season is over £20K, and they are currently asking any supporters of the observatory to donate to a fundraiser appeal (already up to £3400!).
Bird observatories like Bardsey are immensely special places, and are a place where so many young people visit and receive the inspiration and hands-on interaction with nature that spur them into subsequent careers in the environment and conservation. I am one such young person who benefitted immensely from the mentoring I received whilst living on the island during my teen years.
For my 24th birthday on August 17th, I thought I'd try running 24 miles. I spoke to a good friend of mine, Will Hawkes, and his comment was: 'well we may as well run a marathon!'. And so emerged the plan to run 42 kilometres from my home on Mynydd Rhiw in a loop along the perimeter of the Llyn Peninsula's coastal path. The planned route will take us along some spectacular stretches of the coast, up and down many a hill and steep coastal bay, and along small back-lanes back to my home. So long as we aren't faced with gale force westerly winds, it should be an achievable challenge!
Will Hawkes (left) and myself in our most natural habitats
I fully understand that for many, earning potential has likewise been restricted this year, but if you feel able at all able to support the observatory by donating just a few pounds, it will help keep the obs running through these dark times and emerge through this crisis unscathed.
Every contribution counts.
THANK YOU!
For my birthday this August, I'll be taking to the Welsh coast path and running a marathon around the tip of the Llyn Peninsula with my good friend Will Hawkes to raise money for Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory (BBFO).
The observatory, like many other charities, has taken an immense financial hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, being unable to accommodate guests at the Lodge for the early part of 2020 (their biggest source of their income). Despite this, BBFO is still running the essential survey work to monitor the island's unique wildlife, and still have their staff to pay, fuel to buy, and equipment to pay for. BBFO's projected loss for the season is over £20K, and they are currently asking any supporters of the observatory to donate to a fundraiser appeal (already up to £3400!).
Bird observatories like Bardsey are immensely special places, and are a place where so many young people visit and receive the inspiration and hands-on interaction with nature that spur them into subsequent careers in the environment and conservation. I am one such young person who benefitted immensely from the mentoring I received whilst living on the island during my teen years.
For my 24th birthday on August 17th, I thought I'd try running 24 miles. I spoke to a good friend of mine, Will Hawkes, and his comment was: 'well we may as well run a marathon!'. And so emerged the plan to run 42 kilometres from my home on Mynydd Rhiw in a loop along the perimeter of the Llyn Peninsula's coastal path. The planned route will take us along some spectacular stretches of the coast, up and down many a hill and steep coastal bay, and along small back-lanes back to my home. So long as we aren't faced with gale force westerly winds, it should be an achievable challenge!
Will Hawkes (left) and myself in our most natural habitatsI fully understand that for many, earning potential has likewise been restricted this year, but if you feel able at all able to support the observatory by donating just a few pounds, it will help keep the obs running through these dark times and emerge through this crisis unscathed.
Every contribution counts.
THANK YOU!
Organizer
Ben Porter
Organizer
THE BARDSEY BIRD AND FIELD OBSERVATORY
Beneficiary