SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has announced two special fundraising challenges on Exmoor - one walking, the other swimming – as part of its Team Wild programme for 2020.  

The newly created Team Wild community fundraising initiative enables active people who like a challenge to take one on in the name of wildlife and to raise vital funds to support the trust’s work.

The Exmoor Perambulation on Saturday June 20 offers a choice of a 15 or 30-mile self-navigated route following the boundary of the Royal Forest at the time of its sale in 1818.

Organised by Channel Events, the routes go through areas not normally open to the public. Anyone who raises over £100 will be given a personalised Team Wild T-shirt.

Support, fundraising tips and advice will be provided. If there are 50 sign-ups through the SWT ticket option, Channel Events will donate ten per cent of the registration fees to Somerset Wildlife Trust. 

Somerset Wildlife Trust is one of three charity partners for the Exmoor Open Water Swim on Sunday 27th September 2020; organised by Exmoor Open Water Swim in Wimbleball Lake – not normally open to the public for wild swimming.

Those opting to swim for wildlife can choose to take part in the two kilometre, four kilometre or elite six kilometre while getting sponsored.

Although there are medals for those that come in the top three for their age group, most will be simply challenging themselves. There are five free charity places.

“We’re really excited about these two events, and the others we have planned for Team Wild next year,” said Somerset Wildlife Trust community and events fundraising manager Kate Wilson.

“The landscapes we have here in Somerset are very special places to many. For some they are a place for quiet contemplation, but for many they are the key backdrop for their chosen sports and leisure activity whether that’s endurance walking, running, cycling or swimming. 

“Training for and getting sponsored to take on a challenge gives people the opportunity to give something back to the landscapes and raise funds to help ensure they remain special places in the future.”

Kate added that there is plenty of help and support on hand for first-timers and seasoned pros.

Further information can be found on the Somerset Wildlife website’s Challenge Yourself page.