Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity based in Devizes, England which owns and manages 40 nature reserves in Wiltshire and Swindon. It also works to encourage Wiltshire's communities to live sustainable lifestyles that protect the environment. It is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts across the United Kingdom, which together form the largest voluntary organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places everywhere – at land and at sea. It issues a variety of publications including a members magazine, Wiltshire Wildlife. Its digital presence includes social networking, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. History Formed in 1962 as The Wiltshire Trust for Nature Conservation Ltd, with just seven members contributing £1 per year, the trust was incorporated under the Companies Act on 23 July 1962. Involved in the creation of the trust was acclaimed author and poet John Buxton. The inaugural meeting was held at County Hall, Trowbridge with some 160 people attending. The trust began creating nature reserves in 1963 with the purchase of Blackmoor Copse. Within a decade, the trust owned nine more reserves, had received its first legacy gift and membership had grown to 800. As it reached its 20th anniversary, the trust owned 30 nature reserves and had 2,000 members. In 1989, the first Sarsen Trail & Neolithic Marathon was held, raising £21,500 which was used to buy Morgan's Hill nature reserve. For its 30th anniversary, in 1992, the trust formally changed its name to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. In 1994, the trust employed its first otter habitat project officer; at that time, there were no known otters in the county. In 2012, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust featured three reserves in the "Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts's Guide to Otters", a testament to the success of the project. In its 50th year, 2012, the trust owned and managed 37 nature reserves. As of 2022, its 60th year, the trust owns and manages over 40 nature reserves, including three farming operations, and has over 20,000 members. Programmes and projects The trust undertakes a wide variety of projects to engage local residents with its work, and to develop an understanding and love for the natural environment. As of 2022, these activities include: Action for Insects - increasing the biodiversity of invertebrates on its nature reserves. Bay Meadows - Creating a haven for nature in Marlborough. Braydon Forest Marsh Fritillary Project - supporting the marsh fritillary butterfly. Building Bridges supporting