Here you will find answers to some common questions we get about Friends of Nature UK.
Q. Why join Friends of Nature?
A. Many reasons! Some join to use the network of 800+ houses when undertaking walking, travelling or nature exploration. Some for the friendship and local activities provided by the local group - whether this is social events, outdoor pursuits or environmental campaigning. A sizeable minority join to be part of a growing global organisation which is present in 50+ countries, the feeling of being part of something 'bigger' and not constrained by political boundaries. Outward looking folk wanting to avoid insularity and as part antidote to BREXIT maybe...?
Q. Who can join?
A. Anyone and everyone with the proviso that you respect the broad outline of our Constitution which encourages respect and understanding of people, nature and the planet. See detailed wording in section 2. of the Constitution here: https://friendsofnature.org.uk/join-us/constitution
Q. Why have I not heard of Friends of Nature before?
A. If you hop over to mainland Europe, our organisation is much better known - particularly in the hiking areas of the Alps. Originating in the Austria of 1895 where the working classes sought to escape the harsh working conditions in towns by building 'houses' in the countryside and enable the pursuit of outdoor sports, experience fresh air and the wonders of nature. Since 1950's the focus has shifted more to conservation and protection of the natural world by offering solutions of sustainable living. Way before mainstream environmentalism hit the stage in this respect.
Q. Friends of Nature/Naturefriends/Naturfreunde/Amis de la Nature/Amici della Natura... what's with the names?
A. Variety is the Spice of Life! Because each country is autonomous but under the umbrella of Naturefriends International (English) or Naturfreunde Internationale (German) currently based in Vienna (and commonly abbreviated as NFI) - all countries interpret the original German meaning of Naturfreunde in their own language, so Amis de la Nature in France, and Friends of Nature in the UK!
Q. What benefits are there of being a member?
A. Being part of a progressive movement of some 400k members worldwide; standing up for Nature on the local, national and global stage; meeting like minded peoples from diverse backgrounds, sporting and social activities, etc... oh and there is also the benefit of many discounted nights to be had when staying in our Friends of Nature houses across Europe and beyond :)
Q. Are there opportunities to get involved with nature conservation, community projects, campaigning, etc...?
A. Yes and No. Our UK group is small in comparison to mainland Europe so much work is in publicising campaigns running across geographical borders, we have no paid staff here! We try and support the works of NFI in Vienna wherever possible. Annually at our AGM we have for many years allocated funds to a variety of causes, most recently included Ukraine, Camphill Trust (centres for adults with learning disabilities), Pakistan Flooding, tree planting, Farms for City Children and County Wildlife Trusts.
Q. Is there a regular Magazine?
A. Currently 'no'. Website, e-mails and social media seem to have overtaken the traditional Newsletter/Magazine which we produced until a few years back. Nothing is set in stone, if a Member has the time and inclination it may well happen again! For the broader perspective, NFI have a number of regular communications with the most popular being the monthly 'NFI Newsletter' - see latest edition on www.friendsofnature.org or sign up to e-mail version here: https://nf-int.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e7058dace49674cef9779e7bf...
Q. What happens to my membership fee, does it get swallowed up by administration?
A. Usually, FoN UK can run a small credit balance on membership income alone.
After annual costs of insurance, membership to Naturfreunde (NFI - our international governing body), agm, email and computer expenses, our largest expense is yearly donations as agreed at the agm to causes that promote Friends of Nature's ethos and values.
The most recent beneficiaries are listed below.
Year Recipient / Amount
13-17 inc. Tourism Concern £350
13 NFI Africa Appeal £266
15,18 Farms for City Children £450
15 NFI 120th Anniversary £515
16 City Farms and Community Gardens £200
16 Woodland Trust £200
16 Nepalese Friends of Nature £200
17 Community Action Nepal £300
17 Borders Forest Trust £300
18 John Muir Trust £200
18 Children of the Mountain £200
19 Camphill Village £200
19 Mountain Rescue (in memory of Alan Gentle, our former Treasurer) £400
20 Carlisle Food Bank £300
20 Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) £300
20 W & S Goodman, specific members donation, to MSF £100
21 Just Act Gambia £32 ( + Senegal Gambia trees in 23)
21 Refugee Action £200
21 Trussel Trust £200
22 DEC's support for Ukraine £500
23 DEC's support for Pakistan floods £200
23 DEC's support for Pakistan floods £200
20,21,23 FoN International Solidarity and individual membership donations £267
23 Rewilding Britain £200 match funded equal to £400 (plus £10)
23 Senegal/Gambia Trees through NFI £178.36
24 Rewilding Britain £200 match funded equal to £400 (plus £25)
24 Tools for Self Reliance £200
24 Haslingden and Helmshore Civic Pride £200
24 Individual membership donations tbc
Total to date £7,093
In addition, any active branches also make donations:
17,19,20,21 Norfolk branch various £200
22 Norfolk branch for Ukraine £500
22 Norfolk branch to Cancer Research £50
23 Norfolk branch to Cancer Research £50
Total to date £750
Individual donations:
In addition to annual membership income, Friends of Nature UK also
receive generous individual donations from members when they first join or on renewal
which are sometimes passed on to Naturfreunde (NFI) with the annual Beitrag (subscription) amount.
Members are free to change this beneficiary to our national body where it can be put to good use in supplementing our annual round of donation
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If you would like to contact the website, you can email info@friendsofnature.org.uk.