Every year, Reverse the Red Day gives us a moment to reflect on the extraordinary work being done across the conservation community and to celebrate the people who are reversing the decline of threatened species. While we’re proud of our partners every single day, this annual spotlight offers a special opportunity to showcase the impactful, hands‑on actions happening across our Conservation Network to protect biodiversity.
This year, we’re shining the light on two very inspiring initiatives both at home and afar – the Fenn Bell Conservation Project helping monitor bumblebee species in Medway through their monthly BeeWalks, and the Bristol Zoological Society working alongside local communities on reforestation efforts to protect the Tanzanian turquoise dwarf gecko.
Our first story takes place close to home. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is a small zoo in Kent which aims to bring people and animals together in a way that can benefit both. In the past few years, they have been regularly carrying out BeeWalks as part of a national monitoring scheme led by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust designed to track the abundance of bumblebees along established transects across the UK.
Each month from March to October, when bumblebees are most active, the team at Fenn Bell heads out to a transect near their zoo to identify the bumblebee species they encounter and record the plants those bees rely on. Their observations feed into nationwide datasets that inform annual monitoring reports for all 24 UK bumblebee species, building a clearer picture of population trends and supporting vital conservation decisions. They also use their own data to fuel research collaborations with local students, helping to train the next generation of conservationists.
A rare discovery
Thanks to their persistence, the team recently recorded individuals of the Shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum) – one of the UK’s rarest and most threatened bumblebees. This species survives only in a handful of fragmented populations across England and Wales, making each new sighting incredibly significant.
Their discovery even caught the attention of local media, drawing public interest to the plight of the species and helping to strengthen support for habitat protection in the area.
Why we love this story
With some commitment and curiosity, the Fenn Bell team has demonstrated how every one of us can contribute to reversing biodiversity decline in our local area. Sometimes, it just starts with a walk.
Learn more
Discover more about the inspiring work of the Fenn Bell Conservation Project at: https://www.fbcukproject.co.uk/
Bristol Zoological Society has recently been recognised with a Reverse the Red Accelerator Award for their pioneering work to protect the Critically Endangered Tanzanian turquoise dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi). This vibrant and highly threatened species relies on specific tree habitats, many of which have been degraded or lost across its native range. Bristol Zoological Society, working closely with local collaborators and Tanzanian communities, is leading large‑scale reforestation efforts to restore and expand these crucial environments.
Reverse the Red Accelerator Award winner
Through the 2026 Reverse the Red Accelerator Award, the team has set some ambitious targets for the project this year. These include planting 5,000 native seedlings, removing up to 50,000 invasive trees, and training 11 community members in seedling propagation, planting and invasive species removal. Their work also extends to education and capacity‑building, offering hands‑on forestry training to 150 undergraduate students at Sokoine University of Agriculture and maintaining 15 km of firebreaks to protect the recovering landscape.
To better understand the species’ status and support long‑term recovery, the team continues to monitor gecko populations, generating vital data on abundance and trends. Back at home, Bristol Zoological Society remains committed to ex situ conservation by conducting research to improve captive management in the EAZA L. williamsi breeding programme.
Why we love this story
This project is community‑centred and focuses on long‑term recovery. By empowering local people in habitat restoration, training the next generation of conservation professionals, and supporting ex situ breeding efforts, Bristol Zoological Society is helping secure a future for the Tanzanian turquoise dwarf gecko.
Learn more
Learn more about the conservation work of Bristol Zoological Society at: https://bristolzoo.org.uk/conservation/tanzania
Don’t miss
Living Biobank Charity, Nature’s SAFE, will be saving rare UK wildlife thanks to Postcode Local Trust.
Nature’s SAFE is now home to biological tissue samples of 100 of the planet’s most endangered species – providing a vital insurance policy for threatened wildlife, so it can be protected for generations to come.
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary operates a comprehensive facility for the care and rehabilitation of owls and raptors around Suffolk, and promotes their conservation throughout the UK and beyond. This partnership will further their impact by helping to prevent the extinction of owl and raptor species.
Black Hornbill
Total Population: Unknown
Smew
Total Population: Around 80,000 in the wild
Clouded Leopard
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
African Lion
Total Population: 20,000 - 25,000 in the wild
Pygmy marmoset
Total Population: Unknown
Red-footed tortoise
Total Population: Unknown
Asiatic Lion
Total Population: Around 650 in the wild
Bush dog
Total Population: Unknown
Argentine black and white tegu
Total Population: Unknown
Senegal galago
Total Population: Unknown
Owston’s palm civet
Total Population: Unknown
Capybara
Total Population: Unknown
Lesser Madagascan tenrec
Total Population: Unknown
Red Panda
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
African wild dog
Total Population: Around 6,600 in the wild
Southern white rhino
Total Population: Around 15,000 in the wild
Sumatran laughing thrush
Total Population: 2,500 - 10,000 in the wild
Bolivian squirrel monkey
Total Population: Unknown
Parma Wallaby
Total Population: 1,000 - 10,000 in the wild
