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Man walking on a path in the forest hiking and exploring wild remote areas

How to Look After the Environment While Enjoying a Walk

Going for a walk is a wonderful way to connect with nature, get some exercise, and clear your mind. However, it’s important to be mindful of our environmental impact even during such simple activities. Here are some tips to help you look after the environment while enjoying your walk:

1. Stick to Designated Paths

Walking on designated trails helps protect the surrounding vegetation and wildlife habitats. Straying off the path can damage plants and disturb animals.

2. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle

Instead of buying bottled water, bring a reusable water bottle. This reduces plastic waste and keeps you hydrated.

3. Pick Up Litter

Bring a small bag with you to collect any litter you come across. This helps keep the environment clean and safe for wildlife.

4. Respect Wildlife

Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural diet and behavior.

5. Use Eco-Friendly Products

If you need to use sunscreen or insect repellent, choose eco-friendly options. Some products contain chemicals that can harm the environment.

6. Leave No Trace

Make sure to take all your belongings and any trash with you when you leave. The principle of “Leave No Trace” ensures that natural areas remain pristine for others to enjoy.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your walks while also contributing to the health and preservation of the environment. Happy walking! 🌿🚶‍♂️

Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

Biodiversity Begins at Home: Help Birds Thrive in Your Garden

Helping local bird populations is a fulfilling way to engage with nature and boost biodiversity.

In August, we reached out to residents of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent for their best tips on supporting birds at home. Here are their suggestions, along with some practical steps you can take to make your garden a haven for birds.

1. Provide Water

Birds need water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot weather. Place a birdbath or shallow dish of water in your garden. Ensure the water is clean and fresh, and change it regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. Adding a few stones or a shallow ramp can help smaller birds access the water safely.

2. Offer Bird Food

Supplementing natural food sources with bird feeders can attract a variety of bird species to your garden. Here are some tips:

– Seed Mixes: Use high-quality seed mixes that include sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. These attract a wide range of birds.

– Suet: Suet cakes are excellent for providing energy, especially in winter.

– Nectar: For hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds, provide a sugar-water solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water).

– Fruit and Nuts: Offer chopped fruits and unsalted nuts to attract different species.

Place feeders in safe locations, away from predators, and clean them regularly to prevent mold and disease.

3. Create Safe Spaces 

Ensure your garden is a safe haven for birds by keeping cats indoors or supervising them outside. Avoid using pesticides and chemicals that can harm birds and their food sources. Providing dense shrubs or hedges can offer birds protection from predators. Why not try building a bird house or picking one up from your local garden centre.

By following these steps, you can create a bird-friendly environment that supports local wildlife and brings the joy of birdwatching right to your doorstep. Happy birding!

Man pushing child in wheel barrow in garden

How you can help the environment at home

Supporting the environment starts right at home. Here are some practical steps you can take to make a positive impact.

In Your Home and Garden

  1. Composting and Leaf Piles: Start a compost heap or keep a leaf pile in your garden. This not only reduces waste but also enriches your soil, promoting healthier plant growth.

  2. Wildlife-Friendly Fences: Ensure your garden fences have gaps to allow hedgehogs and other small animals to move freely. This simple step can significantly enhance local wildlife connectivity.

  3. DIY Wildlife Shelters: Build a hedgehog house, insect hotel, bird box, or bat box using scrap materials. These shelters provide essential habitats for various species. The Wildlife Trust offers a comprehensive list of actions you can take to support wildlife here.

  4. Planting for Pollinators: Plant flowers and shrubs that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. This boosts insect populations, which in turn supports other wildlife. Participate in initiatives like “No Mow May” and leave wild patches in your garden through the winter. For a list of suitable garden plants, check out this shortened link.

When Out and About

  1. Check, Clean, Dry: When near water bodies, ensure you check, clean, and dry your boots, equipment, and your dog’s coat to prevent the spread of crayfish plague and other diseases. Learn more about the “Check Clean Dry” campaign here.

  2. Dog Walking Etiquette: Keep your dog on a lead between April and July to minimize disturbance to birds during their breeding season.

  3. Follow the Countryside Code: Respect local wildlife and habitats by following the countryside code. This includes staying on marked paths, taking litter home, and not disturbing wildlife.

Everywhere

  1. Report Wildlife Sightings: Use platforms like iRecord or iNaturalist to report your wildlife sightings. This data helps scientists track species distribution and health.

  2. Join Conservation Groups: Get involved with local conservation efforts. Join initiatives like “Toads on Roads” through Froglife or volunteer with local groups such as the Shropshire and Staffordshire Amphibian and Reptile Group, Staffordshire Bat Group, or Staffordshire Mammal Group.

  3. Log Bird Sightings: Use the BirdTrack App to log your bird sightings. This helps organizations like the BTO and RSPB monitor bird populations and migration patterns.

By taking these steps, you can make a significant difference in supporting the environment right from your home. Every small action contributes to a larger impact, helping to preserve our planet for future generations.

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