All
actions we take now as individuals contribute to a better planet, helping
restore balance to our habitats to support and protect our wildlife.
Our
world’s biodiversity is at a crucial tipping point, with habitats and species
being destroyed at a constant, frightening pace each day. As with every aspect
of our environmental and conservation crisis, it’s easy to feel powerless and
question if there really is something we can do as individuals. But the good
news is that we can. And, if enough of us take small steps forwards as a
collective, the impact we make amplifies big time. Here’s a few things you can
do now that will leave a permanent impression.
Feed the birds
As a
rule of thumb, we shouldn’t really feed wild animals as this reprograms their
natural instincts. One of the problems with wildlife conservation work is to
keep the interaction between humans and species separate for the good of
everyone. In many places, it’s when humans meet animals that problems occur.
For example, big cats being emboldened by exposure to tourists bearing gifts
for example, which then draws them close to local villages who must then take
action to protect their livestock or villagers themselves.
Birds
however aren’t such a case, and it’s considered fine to pop up a feeding
station in your garden or nearby park to enjoy the sight of birds grabbing a
snack as they go about their business. And don’t forget a little water too.
Cats inside
Sounds
harsh to our feline friends but it’s easy to forget that Mr Meow has the DNA of
a predator. As much as they shouldn’t be kept inside, when they’re left to roam
free they revert to kill-mode and think nothing of stalking birds and other
wildlife. You can lessen their stealthiness by hanging a bell from their
collars but that only has an effect on animals. Birds don’t seem to be scared
of jingling noises as they are of more startling noises.
Lights off
Well
not lights exactly. Bug zappers and outdoor candles really are beacons for
insect life (which is what they’re made for). However those insects form a
vital part of our ecosystem’s food chain. As we know, nature’s balance is very
delicate and fluctuations have dramatic knock-on effects to wildlife. Applying
a natural tropical lotion to your skin and using screens around your widows is
a much friendlier alternative. If you do go for the tropical lotion, look for
those with a manual spray rather than an aerosol – so you don’t add any more
needless gasses into the atmosphere.
Non-scaping
Just
moved to a new place? A place with a garden? Fantastic. If it’s a garden that’s
perhaps seen better days you might be considering a landscaping makeover. But
pause for a moment because the clumps of weeds, wildflowers and fallen trees
could be home to a host of species who actually think your garden’s pretty
great how it is already. So try to landscape with a little thinking into how
you can retain its wildlife, or maybe even attract more. Wildflower meadows for
example, or a pond or two into the bargain.
Clean up
Don’t
bother running a web search to see how many articles, like this one, write
about picking up litter and trash. It’s a lot – for good reason too. There’s
just no excuse for littering, and the harm it does to our habitats is sometimes
irreparable. Every time you head out of your door, take a little bag with you
and grab the garbage you see as you go about your day. You’ll have your
surroundings fit for wildlife in no time. And it’s one of the most satisfying
things you can do.
Water drops
If
you are fortunate enough to have a little outside space to call your own, take
a couple of hours sometime to make your own fountain for bees and other
insects. Bees do such an important job for our planet so let’s thank them with
the gift of water. If you’ve got kids, this is a great little project so feel
free to make it a big, fun project.
Build stuff
Continuing
the ‘building things’ theme, don’t put the tools away just yet. Why not go
all-out and make an insect hotel or a bird house? Get creative with shapes and
colours if you wish or keep it low key and classy. But shelters for the creatures that visit (and live in) our
gardens and public spaces are fantastic. Bees, frogs, mice, creepy crawlies,
birds… give it a few weeks and you’ll have your own wildlife show.
Join the fight
As
well as the conservation fight on your home turf, giving to some of the amazing
grassroots organizations working towards
wildlife conservation is a great way to show your support for the planet. There
are several award-winning conservationists involved in fascinating projects
around the world that can be supporting directly.
