SERP recognises invaluable contributions of crowdfunded contributors with new Eel Ambassador Programme

We’re delighted to launch the Eel Ambassador Programme, a new way to recognise and celebrate the amazing community of people who are making our work possible. At the heart of this launch is a simple message: thank you. Your support means the world to us, and to the future of the European eel in Somerset.

Right now, we’re running a crowdfunder to support one of our most inspiring and impactful programmes: Eels in the Classroom. This project brings live eels into Somerset primary, secondary, and SEN schools, giving children the rare opportunity to learn about the species up close, care for them during a crucial stage of their development, and ultimately release them into the wild. The experience is educational, hands-on, and unforgettable. It connects young people to local wildlife, sparks curiosity, and helps build a deep sense of responsibility for the health of our rivers and wetlands.

We’ve seen the difference this programme makes. We’ve seen the excitement on children's faces when they feed an eel for the first time, the wonder in their questions about migration and life cycles, and the pride they feel in releasing these animals into the water. But to keep this project running - to bring it to more classrooms, more schools, and more communities - we need your help.

That’s where the Eel Ambassador Scheme comes in. When you donate to our crowdfunder, you’ll be recognised with an official Eel Ambassador title and a certificate in one of five categories, depending on your level of support: Eel Friend, Eel Guardian, Eel Champion, Eel Rescuer, or Eel Hero. These titles are more than just labels. They are a way of acknowledging the role you’re playing in something much bigger, a collective effort to protect a species, educate future generations, and restore balance to our natural environment. You will receive your own bespoke certificate and regular updates on progress in our region as well as occasional publicity in our social media and website campaigns.

We know that none of this would be possible without the people who believe in what we’re doing. This project, like the journey of the eel itself, depends on persistence, support, and community. Whether you're a first-time donor or a long-time supporter, your contribution helps keep this vital work going. The Eel Ambassador Scheme is our way of honouring that — of recognising every person who chooses to stand with us and say, 'This matters'.

So if you’ve ever wanted to be part of something hopeful, something practical, something that makes a real and lasting difference, now is the time. Become an Eel Ambassador. Support our crowdfunder. And help us bring the story of the eel into more classrooms, into more young minds, and into the heart of our communities.

Thank you for helping us bring the eels home.

For more information or to donate today, visit our Crowdfunder page.