Shropshire Projects & Partners

CJ WildBird Foods Ltd was founded in 1987 on a farm in rural Shropshire, England, by Chris Whittles, a lifelong ornithologist and wildlife enthusiast. We began in the early days, researching and selling just a small range of seeds for wild birds, but as awareness grew of the benefits of feeding the garden birds so did we.

Over the years, CJs have been instrumental in the growth of the bird food market throughout Europe. Thanks to extensive research and a food development programme by our ornithologists the range of wild bird food available has significantly increased. Over 80 common species of wild birds are now being fed in gardens compared to just 18 when we started our research in 1987.

Despite this international success, we are proud to still be operating from the same farm we started on over 30 years ago, and to work with wildlife charities, partners and projects to support Shropshire's wildlife. Below are some of the projects & partners we are working with across Shropshire.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust

Shropshire Wildlife Trust protects wildlife where you live. The are the county's leading environmental charity, managing 38 nature reserves and working with local communities, businesses and other organisations to restore and protect Shropshire's landscape for both people and wildlife.

As part of the Wildlife Trusts - the largest voluntary organisation in the UK concerned with all aspects of nature conservation - Shropshire Wildlife Trust are working together to encourage large-scale habitat protection and restoration, creating a Living Landscape that will help Britain's wildlife respond to the challenges it faces.

We are delighted to support the wonderful work of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust through sponsorship of their Wild Child Garden, though a strong commercial relationship providing their retail shop in Abbey Foregate with a broad range of CJ Wildlife products, and through sponsorship of events throughout the year.

We have also provided plants for the 'Our Garden Heritage', a heritage Lottery funded project which explores the garden’s history and enables visitors to learn more about the wildlife, history and the buildings at The Cut visitor centre, Shrewsbury. With the help of Jenny Steel, a professional wildlife gardener, volunteers have planned the garden by researching historical planting and species that will be both beneficial for wildlife and relevant to its fascinating heritage.

To find out more about Shropshire Wildlife Trust, visit www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Breaducation

We are proud to be launching Breaducation across Telford & Wrekin this spring to give the wildlife living in and on ponds and waterways in our county the best possible chance of the thriving.

Our goal is simple; to educate the public about which foods are the most beneficial to ducks and wildfowl, and raise awareness of the negative impact of feeding bread.

Along with Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Friends of Apley Woods, Telford & Wrekin Council, Pride in our Community, The Environment Agency and WPG, we are delighted to be be working with parish councils in Telford to erect signs and help educate local communities on the benefits of feeding food other than bread to ducks, geese, swans and others who live on our waterways.

For more information about the campaign, and to find out how your community can get involved, visit www.breaducation.org.uk.

Butterfly Conservation Trust – Shropshire Hill Discovery Centre Pollinators Garden

CJ WIldlife are keen advocates of wildlife gardening and have already supported Butterfly Conservation West Midlands with the ‘Butterflies of the West Midlands’ book and Species Champions for both the Peacock and Red Admiral butterfly.

Thanks to the plants and the range of new insect houses that CJ Wildlife donated the pollinators garden at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is positively buzzing with insects including many butterflies. The Garden includes specially selected plants to attract insects plus a nesting area for solitary bees and other bugs.

This project has inspired other areas in the West Midlands region to follow suit as the Butterfly Conservation launch their ‘Places for Pollinators’ campaign which we are supporting with a variety of plants. https://butterfly-conservation.org/302/west-midlands-branch.html

Cuan Wildlife Rescue

Cuan Wildlife Rescue is the only 24/7 charity wildlife rescue centre in Shropshire who take in sick, injured or orphaned wild animals and birds, with the aim of nursing them back to health. Each year they regularly admit and treat around 3,500 animals and birds. Once fully recovered, great emphasis is placed on returning them to the wild - in most cases, this means back to the area from where they came, where they may have a mate waiting, or where, at least, they will be familiar with their territory or hunting ground.

As a registered charity, the centre is dependent on donations to raise £180,000 per year for day-to-day running costs. CJ Wildlife lend local support by providing funds from sales of products ordered by customers for donations direct to the centre, and providing prizes at their events including the Open Day 23 June 2018 – the only day in the year where the hospital doors are open to the public to come and see the great work they do. https://www.cuanwildliferescue.org.uk/