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9:00 AM 29th December 2020
nature

5 New Year’s Resolutions For Nature

 
The RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, shares 5 easy resolutions you can make with nature in mind.

Whether the sun is shining, or the snow is falling, there is always something magical to see and do in nature during January. With all this recent talk of New Year’s resolutions, the RSPB shares 5 resolutions you could make that benefit nature too.


1. Start the new year in nature

What better way to start the new year than by heading out on a mini adventure in nature? January is a great time to get fit with a jog or simply go for a stroll to blow away the Christmas cobwebs. With more than 110 RSPB nature reserves in England there is plenty out there to be explored that might just be closer than you think. Many of the RSPB’s sites have bike racks too if you’re arriving or wanting to explore by pedal-power!

At this time of year look out for snow drops breaking through the leafy ground and take in some dramatic crisp views. If you’re lucky you might even spot a barn owl - January is one of the best times to see these magnificent birds as males begin to hunt in the daytime to gather food for females.

Find out which is your closest RSPB reserve, and check the latest Covid-19 updates on what’s open here.

2. Support the RSPB for free in the January sales

The January sales are here. This year you can enjoy them guilt-free by supporting the RSPB as you shop and best of all- it’s free! Choose from 4,000 shops and sites to shop with through Easy Fundraising including Etsy, John Lewis, Argos, eBay, M&S, Waitrose, House of Fraser, Screwfix and many more - all of which donate to a number of charities when you shop online with them. All you have to do is go through the EasyFundraising website or app (available on app stores) whenever you shop online, select the RSPB as your chosen charity, and the nature charity will receive a % of your spend as a free donation. It won’t cost you a penny more as the retailer pays the donation, not you. Feel good shopping!


3. Got a minute? Why not add your voice for nature

If you’re feeling the need for an easily achievable and non-time consuming resolution to show your love of nature this January, the RSPB has just the thing – becoming a campaign champion! Raise your voice for nature in under a minute with the charity’s petitions and e-actions. This month, take a look at:

#LoveMinsmere

Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin launched the RSPB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s new #LoveMinsmere e-action during a live online event last month. EDF Energy are planning to build a new nuclear power station, Sizewell C, directly on the border of RSPB Minsmere, which is home to over 6000 different kinds of animals, plants and fungi. According to the RSPB, this could have devastating consequences for nature. The build could destroy an area equivalent to 10 football pitches of protected wildlife site Sizewell Marshes, which is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Legally protected animals like otters, water voles and marsh harriers could lose their homes. Toxic chemicals and up to three million dead fish could be pumped into the sea each year.

13,000 people have already taken action to call to protect RSPB Minsmere and Sizewell Marshes from Sizewell C. The RSPB have said that Sizewell C must not go ahead, and they need you to help make their voice stronger for nature. To take action now, sign the e-action – it takes less than a minute - at loveminsmere.org

Stop the Super Peninsula

Wildlife charities are calling for a major development to be stopped. Plans for Portsmouth ‘super peninsula’ will see 4000 new homes and new marine hub rip up an internationally important wildlife site and tear a hole through legal safeguards, according to the RSPB. The public are being asked to sign a petition opposing this development.

4. Take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch

It’s back! Big Garden Birdwatch is the world's largest wildlife survey and has something for everyone – whether you’re a nature aficionado or complete novice bird spotter. This year’s event takes place on 29, 30 and 31 January 2021.

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that for many people, garden birds provide an important connection to nature and bring joy and comfort as well as being vital for our mental health and wellbeing1. Now the wildlife that has been a great source of solace for many this year is counting on you, to be counted!

Join the RSPB and spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in your garden, balcony or local park, then send the charity your results. Close to half-a-million people join in the Birdwatch every year. Now in its 42nd year, 144 million birds have been counted giving the RSPB an astonishing amount of insight into how our wildlife is faring and how we can all help.

To register, and for your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

5. Buy Green

A great way to help the environment is to buy products that don’t harm, but support, nature. There are a huge range of sustainable products available from the RSPB both online and from their on-reserve shops. What’s more, when you purchase through the RSPB, there’s the added benefit that the income raised helps fund the charity’s conservation work too.

From organic cotton clothing to palm-oil free toiletries and fair trade snacks, check out the charity’s nature friendly goodies online or find your nearest on-reserve shop and start your year with some feel good shopping.
https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/eco-friendly-home-products/