But what has made it easier, has the been reaction and support of everyone. You have risen to the challenges and continue to stand by the Trust when we need you most.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have had to adjust to working from home and become a dab hand at telephone and video meetings! The up side has been quieter roads and skies, except for birdsong. Going forward I wonder if this may become just one of the new ‘norms’ that may change how we work and interact going forward.

However, one thing that I know will stay the same is that nature will need us just as much as ever when all of this is over – the world still faces a climate and ecological crisis.

We will still need our nature reserves – havens of biodiversity in a county that has seen huge losses of wildlife over the past decades. And our aspirations to create ‘living landscapes’ linking those reserves and restoring habitats will be as important as ever. Our seas will still need protecting and we will continue to need to fight inappropriate developments and push for the sustainable use of resources.

And one thing that has shone through recently is the role that wildlife plays in all our lives. How many of you have, like me, cherished the time outside, observing wildlife in the garden, looking for the first returning swallow or even just enjoying the warmth of the sun on your face? Nature is good for our health and wellbeing and this needs to be part of the solution to our modern, normally fast paced, way of life.

When all this is over, we will need your help and support more than ever to achieve our vision – ‘Lincolnshire and the neighbouring sea and estuaries to be rich in wildlife for the benefit of all’. For now though, stay safe and continue to enjoy nature close to home.

Best wishes
Paul Learoyd
Chief Executive
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust